Preaching in Epiphany

Sermon from Christ Church Cathedral Oxford, preached at the Chrism Eucharist on Thursday 2nd April by the Bishop of Oxford.

A sermon preached in Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford on Easter Day.The readings for the Easter Day were Acts 10.34-43; Colossians 3.1-4; and John 20.1-18. The sermon focusses on Peter’s opening words in the passage from Acts, exploring the consequences of the resurrection of Christ for the whole world: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality….”

A presidential address to the Oxford Diocesan Synod on 7th March 2026, looking back in thanksgiving at our Common Vision and looking forward to the future.

This second essay on the vital ministry of Christian formation and preaching in Epiphany draws on the wisdom of St Augustine, a Bishop and Doctor of the Church, in North Africa.

A short reflection on preaching in the season of Epiphany, exploring the Church’s calling to invite others to come and see Christ. Drawing on scripture, tradition, and the rhythms of the Christian year, this address encourages clergy and lay ministers to preach with clarity, generosity, and hope as we journey toward Lent.

Bishop Steven reflects on the unexpected origins of his 2006 novel The Advent Calendar - a chapter-a-day Advent story blending family narrative, biblical imagination, and the rich themes of Isaiah.He shares how a move to Oxford and a creative writing class sparked the idea, why the heroine is named Alice, and how each day’s journey through the olive-wood calendar reveals new guides - Abraham and Sarah, “Col” the prophet, John the Baptist, and Mary.Steven also offers behind-the-scenes insights into the writing process, the hidden Isaiah clues, and why the book still resonates with readers every December.

"It’s getting harder for scientists not to believe in God" - The SpectatorNew discoveries are reshaping the conversation around science and faith. Bishop Steven's presidential address to Diocesan Synod today explores what the latest thinking in physics, biology and cosmology might mean for a generation hungry for meaning.Read online on Bishop Steven's Substack.

Where do we turn for simple, practical help to cope with anxiety, bad days and depression?Bishop Steven reminds us that help can be found in something simple and familiar, the Lord's Prayer.

The final story in our Stories of Conversion series brings us to Caesarea, to Cornelius and Peter - two people transformed by the Holy Spirit in very different ways.Bishop Steven reflects on how Peter’s experience still speaks to us: calling each of us to fresh courage, humility, and joy in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with every person, without exception.Read on Substack.

From enemy to brother. Lives turned around in just three days.On the road to Damascus, Saul meets the risen Christ — and Ananias is called to do the unthinkable: welcome his persecutor.Bishop Steven reflects on radical grace, courage, and the God who still says to us, “Get up and go.”Subscribe and read via Substack.