Sermons

Below you can find transcripts of sermons our clergy and guest preachers have given at recent Abbey services. They deal with current theological issues, religion and world events, and the interpretation of biblical texts.

Where possible, we provide an audio and video recording of the sermon.

Sermon preached at the Sung Eucharist on the First Sunday of Lent 2024

‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.’

The Reverend Dr James Hawkey Canon Theologiand and Almoner

Sunday, 18th February 2024

Sermon preached at the Sung Eucharist on Racial Justice Sunday 2024

Let us begin and finish with glory.

The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby GCVO Archbishop of Canterbury, Primate of All England and Metropolitan

Sunday, 11th February 2024

Sermon preached at the Sung Eucharist on the Second Sunday before Lent 2024

In the first few lines of John’s gospel, I hope anyone would find ideas that are gripping and enticing.

The Reverend Mark Birch MVO

Sunday, 4th February 2024

Sermon preached at Evensong on the Baptism of Christ 2024

Returning from Bethlehem.

The Reverend Dr James Hawkey Canon in Residence

Sunday, 7th January 2024

Sermon preached at the Sung Eucharist on the Baptism of Christ 2024

The Baptism of Jesus by John in the River Jordan is one of the most important stories in the New Testament.

The Reverend Ralph Godsall Minor Canon

Sunday, 7th January 2024

Sermon preached at the Sung Eucharist of the Feast of the Epiphany 2024

The challenge for the Church is to acknowledge, to welcome, the insight of outsiders.

The Reverend Mark Birch MVO Precentor

Saturday, 6th January 2024

Sermon Christmas Day 2023

In the beginning was the Word.

The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle MBE Dean of Westminster

Monday, 25th December 2023

Sermon preached at the First Eucharist of Christmas 2023

The Incarnation of Jesus Christ is not a myth.

The Reverend Dr James Hawkey Canon Theologian and Almoner

Sunday, 24th December 2023

Sermon preached at the Sung Eucharist on the Second Sunday of Advent 2023

John Baptist’s voice came from the edge, not from the centre of power.

The Reverend Ralph Godsall Minor Canon

Sunday, 10th December 2023

Sermon preached at the Sung Eucharist on the feast of Christ the King 2023

Today is a summons to believe in God, not ourselves.

The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle MBE Dean of Westminster

Sunday, 26th November 2023

Sermon preached at the Sung Eucharist on the Second Sunday before Advent 2023

Where is the violence we see and sometimes experience actually coming from?

The Reverend Mark Birch MVO Precentor

Sunday, 19th November 2023

Sermon preached at Evensong on the Third Sunday before Advent 2023

What kind of a nation are we and what direction do we want to move in?

The Right Reverend Anthony Ball Canon in Residence

Sunday, 12th November 2023