St Paul's Cathedral

[The text of the pieces of music in this audio file can be accessed at https://www.stpauls.co.uk/sites/default/files/2023-09/Texts%20and%20Tranlations.pdf] Rowan Williams explores Mary’s life in the Gospels, from the Annunciation to the Cross and Pentecost: a story where heaven and earth come close together. He says that her story frames the life of Jesus, inviting us to ponder, as she does, the scale and scope of what happens in the transforming, revolutionary life of her son. Andrew Carwood conducts St Paul’s Consort singing 'A Hymn to the Virgin', Benjamin Britten; 'Stabat Mater Dolorosa', Giovanni Pierluigi di Palestrina; 'Alma Redemptoris Mater', Tomás Luis de Victoria.

What does it mean to bring our imaginations to reading the Bible? Professor Judy Fentress-Williams says the Bible is there to guide us, challenge us, confuse us, inspire us, and that bringing our honest questions to the text can lead us into deeper truths and a deeper relationship with God. Biblical scholars Judy Fentress-Williams and Paula Gooder talk about the beautiful, inspiring and difficult parts of the Bible, why we should read it like poetry, and what Biblical authority really means. Dr Judy Fentress-Williams is Professor of Old Testament at Virginia Theological Seminary. Her latest book is 'Holy Imagination: A Literary and Theological Introduction to the Whole Bible'. Dr Paula Gooder is Canon Chancellor of St Paul’s Cathedral, a distinguished New Testament scholar and the author of numerous popular and academic books.

Julian of Norwich was a 14th century mystic, theologian and writer. Her revelatory visions of God’s love for all creation went against the prevailing and sometimes harsh doctrine of the times, and have inspired many since. Claire Gilbert explores how Julian’s spirituality can help awaken and transform our ecological consciousness, showing us how to live in such a way that we cease to do harm to creation and each other. Dr Claire Gilbert is the Director of Westminster Abbey Institute and was formerly policy advisor to the Archbishops' Council of the Church of England in environmental issues. Her latest book is 'I, Julian', a fictional autobiography of Julian of Norwich.

For all of his undisputed genius, even Sir Christopher Wren was fortunate enough to be blessed with some architectural good fortune; the greatest would become one of the best-known spaces inside St Paul’s Cathedral: the Whispering Gallery. Explore the science and story behind the Gallery, 257 steps up inside the Dome of the Cathedral. Produced and presented by Douglas Anderson.

Content warning: This podcast contains references to miscarriage, medical procedures and execution, which some may find distressing. Sir Christopher Wren is known as one of the greatest architects of all time, but his own first love was actually science. His scientific achievements are as varied as they are numerous, ranging from meteorology, physics, astronomy and physiology. Produced and presented by Douglas Anderson.

An academic lecture entitled 'The Revolutionary Children of God: Cultivating a Faith the Creates Communion', in which Willie Jennings' explores the question 'who are my people?' and considers theological issues of belonging for Christians. Part of the Koinonia lectures for 2022-23, co-organised by the Diocese of London, St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey, which offer an opportunity to engage with the latest research from a wide range of theological and ecclesiological thinkers.

The Bible proclaims that we are all wonderfully made in God’s image, but the continuing marginalisation of disabled siblings in our churches and society indicates that we have a long journey towards recognising the value, and giftedness, of all. Dr Naomi Lawson-Jacobs and Emily Richardson, co-authors of 'At The Gates: Disability, Justice and the Churches' are in conversation with Reverend Zoe Heming. Naomi and Emily centre their book around disabled Christians’ own stories, and call for churches to move from a care-based approach to disability, to one that is focused on justice, equality and access to churches for disabled Christians. Dr Naomi Lawson Jacobs (they/them) is an independent researcher and disability equality trainer who works in the voluntary sector and in churches. Naomi’s book At the Gates: Disability, Justice and the Churches, co-written by Emily Richardson, shares disabled people’s stories of marginalisation in churches, their cries for justice and their transformative theologies. The book is based on Naomi’s PhD research (SOAS, University of London). Naomi has been involved with the planning of the annual Inclusive Church disability conference for many years, and they write and speak widely on disability and justice in church and society. Emily Richardson is a writer and speaker whose interests include theology, inclusion and communication - particularly social and digital media. She studied theology at St Andrews and now works for a large church as communications coordinator. She has just co-written At the Gates: Disability, Justice and the Churches with Naomi Lawson Jacobs .

It’s certainly accurate to say our Geometric Staircase is iconic; an architectural jewel and a source of curiosity, wonder and fascination. Its official name is the Dean’s Staircase, and it has featured in a number of films over the years, such as Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, too. Discover the science behind its remarkable design in this podcast episode. Produced and presented by Douglas Anderson.

2023 sees the first coronation of a British monarch in 71 years – His Majesty King Charles III and the Queen Consort. 2023 is also the 300th anniversary of Christopher Wren’s death, and in this podcast episode we explore his long standing and sometimes surprising royal – and coronation – connections. Produced and presented by Douglas Anderson.

Christopher Wren: The Quest for Knowledge is a special exhibition opening on the 27th April at St Paul's. It explores the life and work of Wren through archive material and personal artefacts. Discover more about this new exhibition, included with sightseeing admission, and then come and visit for yourself! Produced and presented by Douglas Anderson.