The Southwark Cathedral Podcast

In this episode of the Southwark Cathedral Podcast, Dean Mark Oakley speaks with Lisa Moodie, CEO of Robes, about the realities of homelessness in London and the work supporting people in Southwark and Lambeth. As Robes marks 20 years of supporting people experiencing homelessness, Lisa reflects on the stories behind the statistics, the challenges of moving beyond emergency shelter, and the role that community can play in helping people rebuild their lives. She also discusses the long-standing partnership between Robes and Southwark Cathedral, and the importance of offering practical support and stability to people facing homelessness.

Recorded live at Southwark Cathedral during the Diocese of Southwark’s Black History Month service 2026, this episode features a sermon by Mr Joseph Vambe (British Church Relations Manager, Christian Aid) reflecting on Black history, the legacy of slavery and the call to build a more just society.   Drawing connections between the history of Black communities in Southwark and the Christian promise of “life abundantly”, Vambe considers what it means to honour the past while working towards a different future. At a time when questions of race, migration and belonging continue to shape public life, he challenges the Church to uphold the dignity of every person and move beyond remembrance towards action.

In this episode of the Southwark Cathedral Podcast, the Dean speaks with Canon Timothy Goode of York Minster about his book, Breaking Not Broken: Ableism and the Church After Constantine, and the challenge of rethinking disability within Christian life. Drawing on his own experiences and his understanding of theology, Timothy explores how assumptions about bodies, minds and ability shape our churches and communities. They consider what it means to move beyond sympathy towards empathy, why accessibility is about more than physical spaces, and how the Church might become a place where every person’s story is recognised and valued.

Recorded during Southwark Cathedral’s Lancelot 400 celebrations, this episode features a sermon by the Dean of Westminster, David Hoyle, marking 400 years since the death of Bishop Lancelot Andrewes. Reflecting on Andrewes as a scholar, linguist, preacher and translator of the King James Bible, David Hoyle considers what made his preaching so distinctive, and what it might still have to say to the Church today. At the heart of the sermon is Andrewes’ conviction that preaching should do more than inform or inspire. It should change us. From “more truth, less noise” to the call to become “doers of the word”, Hoyle explores what it means to listen attentively, worship beautifully and allow faith to shape how we live.

Recorded live at Southwark Cathedral as part of the Cathedral’s Lancelot 400 celebrations, this episode features a lecture by former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams exploring the preaching and legacy of Lancelot Andrewes. What makes a sermon more than an explanation? And how can words, images and imagination help us encounter something beyond ourselves? Williams explores Andrewes’ distinctive approach to preaching, his fascination with the richness and ambiguity of scripture, and the relationship between preaching, prayer and sacramental life. Along the way, he considers what made Andrewes such an influential preacher, and why his approach to language continues to resonate centuries later.

In this episode of the Southwark Cathedral Podcast, Canon Precentor Kathryn Fleming is joined by Cathedral archivist Guy Rowston and Cambridge PhD student Anika Goddard to explore the life and legacy of one of the most influential figures buried at Southwark Cathedral. From his distinctive approach to preaching and worship, to his role in the creation of the King James Bible, they consider what made Andrewes such a fascinating and sometimes surprising figure. What did he believe made a good sermon? Why was liturgy so important to him? And what can his approach to language, prayer and worship tell us today? The conversation forms part of Southwark Cathedral’s programme marking 400 years since Andrewes’ death.

In this episode of the Southwark Cathedral Podcast, the Dean speaks with Sam Hole, author of Nourishing Prayer: A Handbook to Holy Communion, about the meaning and mystery of the Eucharist. They explore why liturgy can sometimes feel unfamiliar or inaccessible, what repetition has to do with prayer, and how the familiar words and actions of Holy Communion can reveal something new each time. Along the way, Sam shares some of the ideas behind his new book, from the imagery woven into the Eucharist to the different ways we might understand what happens when we gather, receive and are sent out again.

In this episode of the Southwark Cathedral Podcast, David Mooney, Chief Executive of London Wildlife Trust speaks to the Dean about the importance of protecting and restoring nature in London. David reflects on his journey from teaching to conservation and introduces the work of London Wildlife Trust, from managing nature reserves and restoring habitats to creating new spaces for wildlife across the capital. He discusses the importance of volunteers, partnerships and public engagement, as well as the need to help people reconnect with nature in an increasingly urban environment.

In this episode of the Southwark Cathedral Podcast, recorded live in August 2026, professor Adrian Thatcher discusses his new book Ending Abusive Theologies.  He argues that, alongside safeguarding processes, the Church of England must also examine its theology and the ways in which certain teachings can cause harm. Drawing on his work on sexuality, gender, race and power, Thatcher explores the impact of shame, exclusion and harmful interpretations of scripture. He challenges biblical literalism, places Jesus at the centre of Christian faith, and considers how the Church should respond to difficult passages about divine violence in the Hebrew Bible.

In this episode of the Southwark Cathedral Podcast, John-Francis Friendship joins the Dean to explore the enduring appeal of St Francis of Assisi, 800 years after his death. Drawing on his new book, A Saint for All Seasons, and his own 25 years within the Franciscan tradition, John-Francis reflects on what first drew him to Francis and why this much-loved saint still speaks so powerfully to the modern world. From radical poverty to care for creation, this conversation considers the challenge and inspiration of Francis’s vision. It also explores some of the stories and symbols that have shaped his legacy, and separates the saint himself from some of the myths that have grown around him.