University Sermons
A University of Cambridge tradition since 1300
A University of Cambridge tradition since at least 1300, the Sermons Before the University challenge us to consider faith more thoughtfully.
University Sermons have inspired the English Reformation, the Abolitionist movement, and more. Each year prominent women and men from many different traditions deliver Sermons on topics of particular interest to students. The services are very simple, last about an hour, and are open to all.
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Members of the University are reminded that they should wear academical dress in the University Church when attending University Sermons. All are welcome and if circumstances permit, those present will be invited to take refreshments with the Preacher afterwards.
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Upcoming University Sermons
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Sunday 3rd November 2024 at 11.30am
Lady Margaret's Sermon at Commemoration of Benefactors - Canon Loretta Minghella OBE, Master of Clare College
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Sunday 26th January 2025 at 11.30am
The Rt Revd Dr Anderson Jeremiah, Area Bishop of Edmonton
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Sunday 23 February 2025 at 11.30am
Hulsean Sermon - Professor James Walters ​
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Sunday 8 June 2025 at 11.30am
Ramsden Sermon - Bishop Minerva Carcaño
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Recent University Sermons
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The Most Revd and Rt Hon. Justin Welby, Lord Archbishop of Canterbury 'Driven Out or Driven Under - the Choice of the Church'
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The Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin, "Sent out to live the Gospel!"
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Professor Karen Kilby, Bede Professor of Catholic, University of Durham 'Mercy Justice and Truth: Picking a Path through a Polarised World'
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Sarah Teather, director of the Jesuit Refugee Service UK 'The cry of Earth and the cry of the poor'
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Professor Anthony Reddie, 'Reclaiming the Ordinary’
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The Reverend Doctor Ayla Lepine, '"Life is a Complicated Business": Groaning Inwardly and Growing Up'
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The Reverend Canon Mark Oakley, 'Daylight sanity and vigour: George Herbert, Poetry and Truth Decay'
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The Reverend Dr Jane Leach 'The Spirit that Crosses Borders'
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The Very Revd Dr David Hoyle, MBE, formerly Fellow and Dean of Magdalene College, member of Corpus Christi College, Dean of Westminster and formerly Dean of Bristol (Lady Margaret’s Preacher)
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Professor Rachel Muers, formerly Fellow of Girton College, member of Clare College,
Chair of Divinity, The University of Edinburgh, 'Making Evil Boring Again' -
Hulsean Preacher, The Revd Dr Nicholas Austin, SJ, Master of Campion Hall Oxford 'The Vices and Virtues of Hope'
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Ramsden Preacher: Baroness Berridge of Emmanuel College 'Exporting and Importing Treasure'
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Ms Chine McDonald of St Catharine's College, Director of THEOS: 'The Gospel of Liberation'​
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Lady Margaret's Preacher: The Revd Dr Helen Dawes of Trinity College, Principal of Westcott House 'Generosity, gift economy and moral hazard'
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The Revd Canon Michael Parker KHC, Chaplain-General to HM Land Forces​ Blessed are the Peacemakers for they will be called Children of God
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The Revd Dr Harriet Harris​ MBE, Chaplain, University of Edinburgh 'Does Prayer Present Problems to be Solved'
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Ramsden Preacher: The Revd Dr James Gardom of Pembroke College, That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand (Mark 4:12): Misunderestimating World Christianity.
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Dr Anna Abram, Principal of the Margaret Beaufort Institute of Theology, Restful and Restless Heart