Cathedral to host array of national speakers

Derby Cathedral will host a series of Monday evening meetings (at 7pm) open to everyone in the Diocese at which nationally known speakers will look at key issues relating to the Christian Church throughout the season of Lent.

The Bishop of Derby, Dr Alastair Redfern, said today that he was “delighted with the range and experience of those who have agreed to come.”

He added: “I hope that folk will feel it is worth the trip into Derby from all over the Diocese to hear an excellent line up of speakers reflect on how the Church expresses itself in a variety of ways.”

Each evening will begin with a special act of worship sung by members of the Cathedral Choir. There will also be refreshments after each gathering.

Bishop Graham Cray will kick off the series next Monday (27 February) offering reflections on discussing “Freshly Expressed Church”. In 2008, he was appointed to lead the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Fresh Expressions Team (www.freshexpressions.org.uk). The following week (6 March), Dr Giles Fraser, former Canon Chancellor of St Paul’s Cathedral, will address the subject “Radical Church”.

The Former Bishop of Salisbury, Dr David Stancliffe, will tackle the issue “Worshipping Church” on Monday 12 March. He will be followed by Professor David Martin, one of the country’s most distinguished sociologists, who will present his thoughts on “Established Church” (19 March).

Dr Martyn Percy, Principal of Ripon College Cuddesdon and the Oxford Ministry Course, is the final speaker in the series. He will offer his thoughts on “Being the Church Today” on Monday 26 March. He is a regular contributor to the Guardian, BBC Radio 4 and the BBC World Service.