We were delighted to welcome Dr Selina Stone, Lecturer in Theology and Ethics at the University of Edinburgh, to speak to her new book A Heavy Yoke: Theology, Power and Abuse in the Church.  Dr Stone gave a challenging and honest address as, referring to some recent well known examples of abuse in the Church, she invited us to consider how understandings of who God is and the meaning of the cross, together with interpretations of repentance, forgiveness, suffering, humility, reconciliation and the exercise of power and control in the Church have and do contribute to the marginalisation and abuse of people.  There was a lively and interesting question time at the end and much food for thought.

Dean Jo said, “It was a privilege to welcome Selina for her first visit to St Albans Cathedral.  While her books refer to high profile cases of abuse, in fact she invites us all to consider how we understand God to be, how we understand ourselves and how we each, and together, use the agency and authority we all have to ensure that others flourish”.

Isabelle Thompson, Adult Learning Executive said: "it was a pleasure to welcome Dr Selina Stone to discuss her new book, A Heavy Yoke. Her thoughtful, prayerful engagement with these difficult issues – power, abuse, and safeguarding – made for a deeply important and challenging conversation for the Church. 

As a Learning department, we’re committed to creating space for thoughtful exploration of faith and its impact across history. Join us for upcoming talks on Thomas More (19 March), the Annunciation (25 March), and The Bacons and Religious Change (25 April). All are warmly welcome and we’d love to see you there."
 
Signed Copies of Dr Stone’s new book are available in our Cathedral Shop.