Popular public lecture series returns to York with thought-provoking, free events  

This autumn sees the much-anticipated return of the Ebor Lectures in Theology and Public Life. These popular and well-established public lectures are offered free of charge and provide a space to get people talking and thinking about issues of public life, religious belief and the world around us.   

They are returning to York, in person, for the first time since the pandemic, with venues around the city starting with York St John University’s award-winning Creative Centre. 

Founded in 2006, the Ebor Lectures have welcomed speakers including archbishops, cabinet ministers, social activists, journalists, astronomers, peace-workers, authors and many others. 

The relaunch lecture this month will come from influential disability rights campaigner Dr Hannah Barham-Brown. She will share her fascinating reflections on growing up as a ‘vicar's kid in the 90s’ and how it has shaped her work as a doctor, activist and politician. “Vicarage and Vocation - The Impact of an Ecclesiastical Upbringing on a Very Public Life" will also offer food for thought on the importance of community and vocation in the 21st century.  

The event takes place on Wednesday 22 November 2023, from 4pm to 6pm in the Creative Centre. It also includes a drinks reception hosted by the Centre for Religion in Society at York St John University. 

The Ebor Committee is also delighted to announce that respected climate campaigner Rupert Read will be coming to York in May to deliver the Ebor Spring Lecture 2024.  

Professor Esther McIntosh, Director of the Centre for Religion in Society at York St John University said: “We’re hugely excited to share our new programme of Ebor Lectures with the public and warmly welcome people to come and join in the engaging and insightful conversations that they spark.  

“Our speakers share their knowledge as well as their personal journeys, challenges, and successes to hopefully provide cultural events that are inspiring and motivating to our audiences. They offer something for everyone and are a unique opportunity to engage with ideas, people, and the community in a meaningful way. My thanks to all our committee partners for their continuing support.” 

Graham Jones, Learning & Development Officer for the Yorkshire North and East District of the Methodist Church said: “We are a proud partner in the Ebor Lecture and delighted to be marking its re-launch. With so many critical issues facing us the Ebor Lecture offers such an important forum for exploration and learning. And Dr Hannah Barham-Brown’s dynamic and vital voice is a great place for us to pick up the conversation.” 

Book via Eventbrite for the relaunch event with Dr Hannah Barham-Brown, an evening that promises to be both educational and empowering. 

The lectures are offered both in person and online to maximise accessibility. They are also recorded and hosted on the York St John University Events YouTube channel under the Centre for Religion in Society playlist 

The Ebor Lectures are an ecumenical project jointly sponsored and organised by the following: 

• York Minster
• York St John University
• The Methodist Church (Yorkshire North and East District)
• The C. & J. B. Morrell Trust 
• York Area Society of Friends (Quakers).

Read more about the Ebor Lectures