University Sermons

Invitation to Great St Mary's Church

As with so many other Cambridge customs, the University Sermons (or 'Sermons before the University', to give them their proper title) have a very long history but have been greatly adapted over time. Today the Sermons give leading clergy from different churches the opportunity to comment on current issues from a religious perspective.

The Revd Kathleen Richardson will preach the first University Sermon of the new academic year on Sunday 22 October, at 11.15am, at Great St Mary's Church, Senate House Hill, Kings Parade, Cambridge.

The practice of Sermons in the University Church of Great St Mary's dates back to at least 1300 and is recognised in the earliest University Statutes. For many years, in a world without newspapers and where books were scarce, there were many more Sermons than there are today. Only in the latter part of the 20th century, Sermons were no longer delivered weekly during term time. There are now eight a year: six in Great St Mary's, one in St Benedict's, and one in King's College Chapel.

After the reform of religion in England in the 15th and 16th centuries, Sermons began to be preached in English and the preacher played a more prominent role in services. They were then delivered by clergy of the established church, but for the last 40 years clergy and lay-people from other denominations have taken part. The importance attached to preaching can be seen in the University Church, Great St Mary's, where the pulpit is placed on rails and can be moved to the centre of the chancel when University Sermons are delivered.

Each year prominent men and women from many different traditions deliver Sermons on a wide range of topics of particular interest to students. The services are very simple, last about an hour, and are open to everyone.

The second service is on Sunday 5 November at 11.15am, and will be preached by Fellow of Fitzwilliam College and University Lecturer in Divinity, the Revd David Thompson. This is a special service with music by the Fitzwilliam College Choir.