The practice of Sermons in the University Church dates back to at least the year 1300 and was recognised in the earliest University statutes. It was not until the latter part of the twentieth century that Sermons ceased to be delivered weekly during Term. There are now six Sermons each year.
All sermons (apart from Mere's Commemoration) take place in Great St Mary's, and start at 11.30am. All are welcome. Members of the University should wear academical dress. Members of the congregation are invited to join the preacher for a glass of wine and discussion after each sermon at the Michaelhouse Centre, Trinity Street.
Michaelmas Term 2024
University Sermon, Sunday 20 October
Dr Anna Abram, Principal of the Margaret Beaufort Institute of Theology (Select Preacher)
Commemoration of Benefactors, Sunday 3 November (scarlet day)
Ms Loretta Minghella, OBE, Master of Clare College (Lady Margaret's Preacher)
Lent Term 2025
University Sermon, Sunday 26 January
The Rt Revd Professor Anderson Jeremiah, Area Bishop of Edmonton (Select Preacher)
Hulsean Sermon, Sunday 23 February
The Revd Canon Professor James Walters, of Selwyn College, Professor in Practice and Director of the LSE Faith Centre and of LSE Religion and Global Society (Hulsean Preacher)
Easter Term 2025
Commemoration of John Mere, Tuesday 29 April (11.45am in St Bene't's Church)
University Sermon before King's College, Sunday 11 May
University Sermon, Sunday 8 June
Bishop Minerva G. Carcano, Global Migration Leader for the Council of Bishops and Strategic Leader for the Holistic Strategy for Latin America and the Caribbean of The United Methodist Church (Ramsden Preacher)
Transcripts of some past University Sermons may be found on the Great St Mary's website.
