The Ebor Lectures return to York Minster with a timely and challenging discussion of faith and abuse 

The Centre for Religion in Society at York St John University is pleased to announce the latest event in the Ebor Lecture series. ‘From Silencing to Strength: Addressing Spiritual Abuse and Abuses of Power’ will be delivered by internationally renowned safeguarding expert Professor Lisa Oakley. 

Taking place on Wednesday 21 May, this timely lecture comes in the wake of renewed public attention to issues of abuse and safeguarding within religious institutions. It will be the first Ebor Lecture to be held at York Minster since the post-Covid relaunch of the series, making the occasion especially significant.  

There will be a free drinks reception following the lecture for attendees to continue the conversation over refreshments.  

Professor Lisa Oakley (University of Chester) is a leading researcher in safeguarding in faith contexts. She contributed to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), chairs the British Psychological Society’s Safeguarding Advisory Group, and leads national and international conversations on spiritual abuse and religious trauma.  

Her work seeks to understand how such harm occurs, how it is experienced, and crucially, how faith communities can respond. 

Professor Oakley said: 

“Disseminating the accounts of spiritual abuse that victim-survivors have shared with me has been essential to breaking the silence in this area. I am so grateful to everyone who has taken part in our research studies and shared personally over the years; this is emotionally costly, and that cost should not be underestimated. Early work that was shared was not always met with a receptive response. There was some lack of understanding and sometimes a lack of willingness to accept that the experiences described were real, harmful, and happening in contexts that might be assumed to be safe.  

“Sometimes, there was concern that talking about this would damage faith institutions and the reputation of faith itself. Working towards acknowledgment and acceptance has been challenging, and at times there has been strong push back, and there is further work to do. Still, we must acknowledge the harm that has been experienced, respond appropriately, and work towards prevention in the future.  

“I hope that people of all faiths and none may attend the lecture to better understand spiritual abuse and look at ways to develop healthier, safer cultures for the future. Above all, I hope we can centre the voices of those who have had this experience and learn from them.” 

Professor Esther McIntosh, Director of the Centre for Religion in Society at York St John University, said: 

“The issue of safeguarding and spiritual abuse is of pressing concern across all faith traditions, and particularly within the Anglican community.  

“In light of recent revelations such as the Makin Report and the resignation of Archbishop Welby, as well as wider movements like #ChurchToo and the IICSA, Professor Oakley’s lecture is both urgent and necessary. Hosting this conversation within the sacred space of York Minster adds weight and resonance to the need for reflection, healing, and institutional reform.” 

Event details and booking 

Ebor Lecture: From Silencing to Strength: Addressing Spiritual Abuse and Abuses of Power with Professor Lisa Oakley 

• Date: Wednesday 21 May 2025 

• Location: York Minster  

• Time: 7.00pm to 9.00pm 

• Tickets: Free but booking is essential via this link From Silencing to Strength: Addressing Spiritual Abuse and Abuses of Power Tickets, Wed 21 May 2025 at 19:00 | Eventbrite 

For those unable to attend in person, the lecture will be recorded and made available to watch via this link York St John Events - YouTube 

Established in 2006, the Ebor Lectures in Theology and Public Life aim to foster dialogue between religion and society on matters of cultural, ethical, and political importance. They are hosted by York St John University and jointly sponsored by York Minster, The Methodist Church (Yorkshire North & East District), The C. & J.B. Morrell Trust and the York Area Society of Friends (Quakers).