Lord Harries to argue Christian roots of secular values

Professor Lord Harries of Pentregarth will deliver the 11th series of Sarum Theological Lectures, Christianity and Public Life, in late April and early May at Sarum College in Salisbury’s Cathedral Close.

He will use the lecture series to argue that key 'secular' values have deep Christian roots.

“The political philosophy of our society is now dominated by key concepts like freedom, human rights and democracy. It is assumed that these are the values of a secular society that has outgrown religion,” says Harries. “In these lectures, I will show that there are very different understandings of the secular and argue that essential political values have deep roots in the Christian faith.”

“Richard Harries brings to these lectures a fine mind that has reflected for years on these crucial issues, publishing as he has on art, nuclear weapons, wealth, ethics and many books of prayer, “ says Keith Lamdin, who, before becoming principal at Sarum College, worked closely with Harries as his director of training in the Diocese of Oxford."

Harries has a history of engaging in themes of justice in the public arena. He campaigned against apartheid in South Africa, took the Church Commissioners to the High Court over the need for ethical investment and has been involved in the House of Lords specialising in issues to do with human embryo research, and relations between the faith communities.

“He combines these with the flair of a natural communicator well known for his ‘Thought for the Day’ presentations on BBC Radio 4, public lectures, as well as his many books," added Lamdin.

The annual Sarum Theological Lectures are designed to make accessible to a wide audience the work of specialists in a variety of fields in the study of theology. They are subsequently published by Darton, Longman & Todd.

The lecture schedule is as follows:

Speaking for God in a secular society
Wednesday, 29 April
Liberty, equality and human community
Thursday, 30 April
What makes us think that God wants democracy?
Tuesday, 5 May
Does God believe in human rights?
Wednesday, 6 May

All lectures will begin at 7pm in Salisbury Cathedral, with grateful thanks to the Dean and Chapter. Tickets cost £6.50 each (£20 for the series) and are available in advance from Sarum College, 19 The Close, Salisbury 2EE.