St Paul's Cathedral

Friendship, with a few exceptions, is the human relationship that has received the least theological attention over the centuries. Friendship, both in Greek and Roman philosophy, and in some theological writings, has been treated with suspicion. Steffan Mathias explores friendship in a positive light within the Bible, in theological tradition, and in the contemporary church. Steffan proposes frien...

In a wide-ranging conversation with Cumberland Lodge and the St Paul’s Cathedral Institute, The Rt Hon Rory Stewart OBE takes on on some of the most pressing questions of our time. A former UK Cabinet Minister, diplomat, and bestselling author, Rory brings a unique perspective to the table from extensive experience across the Middle East, and as the MP for Penrith and the Border. His acclaimed boo...

To mark Refugee Week 2026, Paula Gooder chats to Bishop Guli Francis-Dehqani about her life, her faith, and her own experience as a refugee. Bishop Guli was born in Iran and fled to the UK when she was a teenager following the murder of her brother during the Islamic Revolution. In this conversation, Bishop Guli reflects on her experiences, on the history of Christianity in Iran and the theme of m...

The story of William Tyndale and Cardinal Wolsey is a fascinating tale of spies and espionage. Tyndale was a wanted man – working in exile to complete his translation of the New Testament. In order to supress his work, Henry VIII and Cardinal Wolsey dispatched a diplomat-spy to make sure Tyndale’s writings were never imported to England. Yet Tyndale and his contacts found ways to smuggle his New T...

This year marks the 800th anniversary of the death one of the most popular and well-known Saints – St Francis of Assisi. Francis inspired the life and work of Clare of Assisi and Angela of Foligno. Whilst Clare and Angela may not be as well-known as Francis, their theology gives us a glimpse into the intriguing world of mysticism and highlights the remarkable contribution of women theologians in t...

This year marks the 500th anniversary of the publication of William Tyndale’s English translation of the Bible. Branded as heretical, this translation was a pivotal moment in the Reformation which had a lasting impact on the church in England. Diarmaid MacCulloch uncovers the importance of Tyndale’s translation, its place in the history of the English Reformation, and how these factors shaped the...

It's indisputable that music is a huge part of life at St Paul's, but many people don't know the full variety of what can be heard within our walls. In this episode we explore all things music at the Cathedral - from daily Evensong performed by our very own talented musicians, to musical guests past and present such as Paul Robeson who sang at Evensong in 1958 or even legendary poet and singer Pat...

We live in a complex time in which conversations around decolonisation are growing. On the one hand, there is a deep suspicion for what is termed ‘woke’, seeing decolonial attention to the past as unnecessary and divisive. On the other, there is a sense in which the legacies of colonisation are so pervasive and deep that only a decolonial lens can address it. Carlton Turner suggests what a decolon...

The Bible is rarely read it in its original languages, but usually in translation. Translating the Bible is a unique and complex task, which inspires an intriguing array of literary, historical, and theological questions for both translators and readers. In this conversation, John Barton and Paula Gooder discuss the fascinating history and challenges of biblical translation and inspire us to think...

Looking up under our iconic Dome, you'll see eight incredible murals by artist James Thornhill. Painted in monochrome to give the illlusion of sculptural relief, the murals depict eight scenes from the life of St Paul. Find out more about Thornhill and his lasting legacy on what is perhaps the most photographed part of the Cathedral in this episode. Produced and presented by Douglas Anderson.

Gerard Manley Hopkins’ vivid, inventive language and profound spiritual insight make him a powerful companion for the Lenten season. His poetry captures both human frailty and divine presence, drawing us into the beauty of creation and the journey of Christ toward the Passion. Carys Walsh will reflect on Hopkins’ rich imagery and rhythmic brilliance, and offer a fresh way to deepen reflection, dev...

[The images referred to in this talk can be found at https://www.stpauls.co.uk/sites/default/files/2026-01/2025%20-%207%20Dec%20St%20Pauls%20UNDERHILL%20SLIDES.pdf] Evelyn Underhill is best known as a theologian, mystic, and spiritual director – remembered by the Church each year on the 15th June. In the 1900s, long before her fame, she travelled extensively in Italy and France, painting, drawing...

This year has seen significant change for the Roman Catholic Church following the death of Pope Francis and the election of Pope Leo in May. In this conversation, Anna Rowlands and Paula Gooder reflect on a year of continuity and change for the Roman Catholic Church, looking back at the legacy of Pope Francis and exploring the shape of Pope Leo’s papacy so far. Join us as they explore the legacies...

In this episode, we take a closer look at the life and legacy of Josefina de Vasconcellos, the remarkable sculptor responsible for 'Mary and Child' which can be found in the Crypt. 'Mary and Child' was the first freestanding sculpture by a woman to be installed at the Cathedral. Produced and presented by Douglas Anderson.

In this reflective evening, Paula Gooder offers a range of reflections for the Advent season around the theme of waiting. For rights reasons, the music performed at the live event is not included in this recording. You can watch the pieces of music as they were performed elsewhere as follows: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CI1TrxsrTsA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxXbcjiZLec https://www.youtub...

Did you know the current St Paul's Cathedral is the fifth Cathedral on the site? Before today's building, there was Old St Paul's, a magnificent medieval cathedral with an enormous spire. Take a trip into St Paul's past and present with today's podcast episode all about the medieval Cathedral's birth, life and dramatic end. Produced and presented by Douglas Anderson.

Acts 16:16-18 tells the story of a slave girl who is said to have a ‘Pythian spirit’ which enables her to tell oracles, and we are told that the apostle Paul cast out the spirit from her. Drawing on her Yorùbá heritage and her personal autobiographical experience of having a great-grandmother who was a powerful Oracle in Nigeria, Olabisi Obamakin will look at that this story in a new light and wil...

Dr Braxton is a Christian, whereas Dr Pinn is a Secular Humanist. While their respective traditions have often stood in bitter opposition, in a deeply divided world, Braxton and Pinn demonstrate that constructive dialogue is essential. This “master class” offers a compelling model for engaging across religious, ethical, and cultural differences. Through frank, personal, and deeply informed discuss...

Today’s podcast episode is all about the Great Model hiding up in our Triforium. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren to demonstrate his plans for the new Cathedral to King Charles II, the Great Model is a fascinating insight into what St Paul’s might have looked like. Produced and presented by Douglas Anderson.

[This talk makes reference to a handout which you can find at https://www.stpauls.co.uk/sites/default/files/2025-10/Ludlow%20Nicaea%20handout.pdf] 2025 marks 1,700 years since the formation of the Creed of Nicaea, and around the world many Christian churches from many different denominations are marking the anniversary. But what is so important about it and why do we still say it so many years on?...

Like Churchill himself, St Paul’s Cathedral defied the Blitz and stood as a beacon of hope in the darkest days of the Second World War. Allen Packwood revisits some of the key moments when their paths crossed and considers how they influenced one another. A sermon by Ray Pentland CB from the Service of Evensong prior to this event is referenced several times in the talk. To read the sermon please...

Some of the psalms were written as much as 3,000 years ago in a world very different to our own. So how do we read them? And what does a psalm read like when we read it today? Martin Wroe reflects on what makes a psalm a psalm. Is there a distinction between psalms and prayer, or psalms and poetry? One of the challenges of reading the Psalms is that they are populated so densely with shepherds and...

There are crypts, and then there are crypts. The largest crypt in Europe is none other than our very own here at St Paul's. But what is a crypt for, and why is ours so unique? Find out in the first episode of the new series of Stories from St Paul's. Produced and presented by Douglas Anderson

What has Jesus to do with trauma? Many people who experience trauma find solidarity in Jesus' experiences. Some would even claim that Jesus is a trauma survivor himself. Others may find the horror of Jesus' crucifixion to be re-traumatising. What do these perspectives mean for how we think about and relate to Christ? Karen O'Donnell explores these questions to enrich our understanding of Christ an...

Over the course of Western history, how have religion and medicine worked together to tell women how their bodies work, and what they should do with them? How have Eve and Mary been used to convey these messages, and how has their role been challenged? Helen King explores the potential of both Christianity and medicine to work towards a healthier approach to the body. Helen King is Professor Emeri...