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.
Upcoming 2025 Lectures
Here I Stand: Chris Bryant
Monday 20 October
7pm
A Life and a Half: Sir Chris Bryant MP talks about his life as a campaigner, priest and politician. His gripping new memoir explores faith, sexuality and commitment with candour and humour.
Here I Stand: Michael Ignatieff
Tuesday 28 October
7pm
In this lecture, distinguished Canadian academic, author, and former politician Michael Ignatieff examines the context and direction of the forces shaping today’s world order, standing with Walter Benjamin’s “Angel of History”.
Here I Stand: Michael Rosen
Monday 3 November
7pm
In this lecture, Many Different Kinds of Love, the inspirational poet and passionate advocate for children’s literature, stands with the NHS. He talks about his experience of covid, about plurality, mortality and society.
Here I Stand: Elif Shafak
Monday 10 November
7pm
Elif Shafak is an influential Turkish-British novelist who challenges norms, explores diverse voices, and shares her spiritual wisdom through transformative storytelling.
Here I Stand: Mary Beard
Monday 17 November
7pm
Dame Mary Beard is a preeminent British classicist who makes ancient history accessible, challenges societal biases, and discusses historical lessons in this lecture.
Here I Stand: Caroline Lucas
Monday 24 November
7pm
Nation, Nature and Narrative: Telling the Story of Another England
The iconic politician and environmentalist explores steps towards redefining nationalism in a new story for England, William Blake’s green and pleasant land.
Past recordings
Here I Stand: Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde
The Right Rev Mariann Edgar Budde came to St Martin’s on Sunday 14 September to speak about what it means to strive for Christian justice and to speak truth to power. Watch the online video now.
Here I Stand: Rowan Williams
Rowan Williams spoke on Monday 15 September on the things he believes in and stands for, as he reflected upon his life and the struggles, threats, hopes and conflicts our world faces today.
Here I Stand: Sam Wells interviewed by Julian Worricker
BBC broadcaster Julian Worricker interviewed Sam Wells on Monday 22 September about his faith, theology, and role as Vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields, exploring his beliefs and reflections on life and the Church.
Here I Stand: Cassa Pancho
Cassa Pancho, director and choreographer of Ballet Black, spoke on Monday 29 September about the stand she has taken to challenge the traditional landscape of classical ballet.
Here I Stand: The Christian Aid Annual Lecture with Mariana Mazzucato
Professor Mariana Mazzucato, a world-renowned and highly influential economist, talked about the new vision and humanity to an economics that can tackle the global issues of our time and confront the vast international inequalities of our threatened planet on Monday 6 October.
Here I Stand: Gwen Adshead
On Monday 13 October Dr Gwen Adshead discussed working with violent offenders, balancing public protection with punishment, and exploring rehabilitation, restorative justice, and forgiveness.
