Charles Gore Lecture 2026
'Lord, we do not know where you are going': A Benedictine Guide to the Future
Speaker: Abbot Christopher Jamison OSB
Chair: The Reverend Dr Jamie Hawkey, Canon Theologian of Westminster Abbey
Monday, 11th May 2026 at 7.00 PM
Watch
The desire for stability in an uncertain world is as strong as ever. The difficulty of conversations between opposing factions is getting harder. In a culture of self-fulfilment, obedience is no longer seen as a virtue. Yet for 1,500 years Benedictine monks and nuns have been taking vows of stability, conversation and obedience, and their monasteries have outlasted powerful dynasties and regimes. In this lecture, Abbot Christopher explored what this tradition offers people today as they experience not simply ‘an era of change but a change of era’ (Pope Francis).
About the Speaker
Abbot Chrisopher Jamison is a monk and currently serves as Abbot President of the English Benedictine Congregation to which Westminster Abbey once belonged. He has worked as a theology teacher and a head teacher, and was Abbot of Worth Abbey. He is best known for his work in media and is a trustee of CTVC, a company specialising in religious and ethical media production. His books include Finding Sanctuary, Finding Happiness, and Finding the Language of Grace.
