St Paul's Cathedral

We live in a complex time in which conversations around decolonisation are growing. On the one hand, there is a deep suspicion for what is termed ‘woke’, seeing decolonial attention to the past as unnecessary and divisive. On the other, there is a sense in which the legacies of colonisation are so pervasive and deep that only a decolonial lens can address it. Carlton Turner suggests what a decolonial perspective might look like beyond attempts to politicise it, especially for our faith. The Revd Canon Dr Carlton Turner is tutor in Contextual Theology and Mission Studies, as well as Deputy Director of Research, at the Queen's Foundation, Birmingham. He self-defines as a Caribbean Contextual and Practical Theologian and engages in further research into the intersections of Christian theology and decoloniality, particularly within the British imperial history and context. His first book, Overcoming Self-Negation explores the identity and church practices within the Anglophone African Caribbean, and his most recent book, Caribbean Contextual Theology: An Introduction, is the latest iteration of a Caribbean theological reflection.

The Bible is rarely read it in its original languages, but usually in translation. Translating the Bible is a unique and complex task, which inspires an intriguing array of literary, historical, and theological questions for both translators and readers. In this conversation, John Barton and Paula Gooder discuss the fascinating history and challenges of biblical translation and inspire us to think deeply about what it means to engage with Scripture in other languages. The Revd Professor John Barton is an Anglican priest and Biblical scholar. He is the Emeritus Oriel and Laing Professor of the Interpretation of Holy Scripture at the University of Oxford and is the author of several books including 'The Word: On the Translation of the Bible' (Allen Lane 2022) and 'A History of the Bible: The Book and Its Faiths' (Allen Lane 2019). Paula Gooder is Canon Chancellor of St Paul's Cathedral, a Biblical Scholar and the author of many academic and popular books on theology, faith and the Bible.

Looking up under our iconic Dome, you'll see eight incredible murals by artist James Thornhill. Painted in monochrome to give the illlusion of sculptural relief, the murals depict eight scenes from the life of St Paul. Find out more about Thornhill and his lasting legacy on what is perhaps the most photographed part of the Cathedral in this episode. Produced and presented by Douglas Anderson.

Gerard Manley Hopkins’ vivid, inventive language and profound spiritual insight make him a powerful companion for the Lenten season. His poetry captures both human frailty and divine presence, drawing us into the beauty of creation and the journey of Christ toward the Passion. Carys Walsh will reflect on Hopkins’ rich imagery and rhythmic brilliance, and offer a fresh way to deepen reflection, devotion, and discovery throughout Lent. The Revd Dr Carys Walsh writes about poetry and spirituality and has been involved in discernment and formation for Anglican ministry for many years. She is a priest in South London and the author of 'Frequencies of God' (about the poetry of RS Thomas) and 'Dappled Beauty' (about the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins). The handout referred to in this talk can be found at https://www.stpauls.co.uk/sites/default/files/2026-02/Dappled%20Beauty%20-%20Poetry.pdf

[The images referred to in this talk can be found at https://www.stpauls.co.uk/sites/default/files/2026-01/2025%20-%207%20Dec%20St%20Pauls%20UNDERHILL%20SLIDES.pdf] Evelyn Underhill is best known as a theologian, mystic, and spiritual director – remembered by the Church each year on the 15th June. In the 1900s, long before her fame, she travelled extensively in Italy and France, painting, drawing and writing as she journeyed to glorious cathedrals, rural churches, and historic museums. Marking the 150th anniversary year of her birth, this event explores her lesser-known art and writing. The Revd Ayla Lepine will guide us on a pilgrimage with Underhill as a companion through the sacred art and architecture of Chartres, Amiens, Assisi, Siena, Venice, and beyond. The Revd Dr Ayla Lepine is Associate Rector at St James’s Church, Piccadilly, before which she was Ahmanson Fellow in Art and Religion at the National Gallery. She has a PhD in art history from the Courtauld Institute of Art and her book 'Women, Art, God' will be published in 2026. She is a trustee of Art and Christianity, a Visiting Scholar at Sarum College in Spirituality and the Imagination, and a member of the St Paul’s Cathedral Visual Arts Committee.

This year has seen significant change for the Roman Catholic Church following the death of Pope Francis and the election of Pope Leo in May. In this conversation, Anna Rowlands and Paula Gooder reflect on a year of continuity and change for the Roman Catholic Church, looking back at the legacy of Pope Francis and exploring the shape of Pope Leo’s papacy so far. Join us as they explore the legacies, priorities, and distinctive styles of these remarkable figures. They discuss the formative years which shaped them, the theological and pastoral themes which marked Francis’ pontificate, and the early signs of continuity and change in the era of Pope Leo. Professor Anna Rowlands is the St Hilda Professor of Catholic Social Thought & Practice at Durham University, and the author of 'Towards a Politics of Communion: Catholic Social Teaching for Dark Times'. She has interests in everyday ethics and the way that academic research and teaching can engage in wider forms of public benefit and the common good. Dr Paula Gooder is Canon Chancellor of St Paul's Cathedral.

In this episode, we take a closer look at the life and legacy of Josefina de Vasconcellos, the remarkable sculptor responsible for 'Mary and Child' which can be found in the Crypt. 'Mary and Child' was the first freestanding sculpture by a woman to be installed at the Cathedral. Produced and presented by Douglas Anderson.

In this reflective evening, Paula Gooder offers a range of reflections for the Advent season around the theme of waiting. For rights reasons, the music performed at the live event is not included in this recording. You can watch the pieces of music as they were performed elsewhere as follows: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CI1TrxsrTsA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxXbcjiZLec https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIyJpkuX9Fo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZZADVYZoIU Dr Paula Gooder is Canon Chancellor of St Paul’s Cathedral and a leading Biblical scholar and teacher. She is the author of many books including 'The Meaning is in the Waiting' and 'Journey to the Manger'.

Did you know the current St Paul's Cathedral is the fifth Cathedral on the site? Before today's building, there was Old St Paul's, a magnificent medieval cathedral with an enormous spire. Take a trip into St Paul's past and present with today's podcast episode all about the medieval Cathedral's birth, life and dramatic end. Produced and presented by Douglas Anderson.

Acts 16:16-18 tells the story of a slave girl who is said to have a ‘Pythian spirit’ which enables her to tell oracles, and we are told that the apostle Paul cast out the spirit from her. Drawing on her Yorùbá heritage and her personal autobiographical experience of having a great-grandmother who was a powerful Oracle in Nigeria, Olabisi Obamakin will look at that this story in a new light and will ask whether we should see the Pythian slave girl as possessed or powerful. Drawing also on 'Butterfly Fish', a novel by Irenosen Okojie that explores Nigerian worldviews and beliefs, Olabisi will show how the New Testament can be read in a new and powerful way through the lens of a Nigerian/British woman. Dr Olabisi Obamakin is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Theological Education at Durham University. As a Nigerian/British woman, she has a special interest in widening participation into Theology and has spoken about her work to multiple academic and public audiences including at Exeter Cathedral and on BBC Radio Devon.