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: Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde

Sunday 14 September

7pm

The Right Rev Mariann Edgar Budde comes to St Martin’s to speak about what it means to strive for Christian justice and to speak truth to power.

Here I Stand: Rowan Williams

Monday 15 September

7pm

Rowan Williams speaks on the things he believes in and stands for, as he reflects upon his life and the struggles, threats, hopes and conflicts our world faces today.

Here I Stand: Sam Wells interviewed by Julian Worricker

Monday 22 September

7pm

BBC broadcaster Julian Worricker interviews Sam Wells 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

Monday 29 September

7pm

Cassa Pancho, director and choreographer of Ballet Black, speaks 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

Monday 6 October

7pm

Professor Mariana Mazzucato, a world-renowned economist, brings new vision to economics that can tackle global issues and confront international inequalities on our threatened planet.

Here I Stand: Gwen Adshead

Monday 13 October

7pm

Dr Gwen Adshead discusses working with violent offenders, balancing public protection with punishment, and exploring rehabilitation, restorative justice, and forgiveness.

Here I Stand: Chris Bryant

Monday 20 October

7pm

In this lecture Sir Chris Bryant talks about his life first as a priest and now as an MP and how his faith influences his politics and what happens when the two come into.

Here I Stand: Michael Ignatieff

Tuesday 28 October

7pm

Michael Ignatieff, a distinguished Canadian academic and former politician, discusses liberal democracy’s fragility and the values threatened by today’s breaking world order.

Here I Stand: Michael Rosen

Monday 3 November

7pm

Michael Rosen is an inspirational poet and advocate for children’s literature who champions accessible poetry, social justice, imagination, and storytelling.

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

Caroline Lucas, the UK’s first Green Party MP and influential politician, warns about climate dangers and rising nationalism in this lecture about her current stance.