Autumn Lecture Series 2025 – Here I Stand

Here I Stand

Where Do You Stand?

St Martin-in-the-Fields Autumn Lecture Series 2025 investigates those things in which we believe deeply – and for which we would be prepared to make a costly stand. We have assembled an inspirational line-up of speakers from the world of faith, politics, literature, poetry, dance, economics, psychology, history and academia. Each lecture addresses this question through the lives and perspectives of people who have advocated and often faced opposition for the things they believe in: individuals who have not just written or spoken about, but lived the values they have professed. Each of these speakers through their lives offer insight, prophecy, challenge, controversy, hope, warning, courage and vision.
Where do you stand?

As the world faces an increasing threat from the erosion of democracy, trust and truth and the rise of populism and nationalism, our 2025 lecture series addresses a world divided by conflict and a planet in crisis. Through these compelling and diverse voices it asks the question: Where do I stand? What are the things that hold my life together, and lie at the very core of all I am? What are the values that I will not renounce and are there beliefs that I hold that I would give my life for?

We believe there is something inspiring and transformative about listening to a person explain, simply and humbly, ‘These are the principles on which I have built my life, and these are the values I will not forsake.’

Martin Luther believed salvation was a gift for the guilty not a reward for the righteous. When he faced excommunication and death, he said, ‘To go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand. I can do no other.’ It’s an awesome thing to behold a person making such a declaration whatever befall. This autumn we listen to and learn from figures who have faced criticism and hostility for where they stand but have stood firm nonetheless. We invite you to join them and reflect on where and how you might be called to do the same.

Revd Dr Sam Wells
Vicar, St Martin-in-the-Fields

The series takes place at St Martin-in-the-Fields with a live audience in the church. The lectures are also live-streamed. Tickets are £10 to cover the costs of the series, but free places are available to ensure our education programme is open to all. All are welcome.

In Partnership with

The Autumn Lecture Series 2025 is joining the European Festivals Forest to plant trees to capture carbon in mitigation of our emissions.