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 15th October 2023 at 11.30am
Ms Chine McDonald of St Catharine's College, Director of THEOS​
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Sunday 5th November 2023 at 11.30am
Lady Margaret's Preacher: The Revd Dr Helen Dawes of Trinity College, Principal of Westcott House ​
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Sunday 28th January 2024 at 11.30am
The Revd Michael Parker KHC, Chaplain-General to HM Land Forces​
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Sunday 25th February 2024 at 11.30am
Hulsean Preacher: The Revd Dr Harriet Harris​ MBE, Chaplain, University of Edinburgh
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Sunday 26th May 2024 at 11.30am
Ramsden Preacher: The Rt Revd Dr Paul Swarup, of Clare College, Bishop of Delhi, Church of North India​
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'