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
Sermon preached at Evensong on the Fourth Sunday before Advent 2023
Naming God
The Reverend Dr James Hawkey Canon in Residence
Sunday, 5th November 2023
Sermon preached at the Sung Eucharist on the Fourth Sunday before Advent 2023
Many of us don’t love ourselves nearly enough.
The Reverend Mark Birch MVO Precentor
Sunday, 5th November 2023
Sermon preached at the Sung Eucharist on All Saints' Day 2023
God will wipe away every tear.
His Excellency The Most Reverend Bashar Matti Warda Archbishop of Erbil of the Chaldeans
Wednesday, 1st November 2023
Sermon preached at the Sung Eucharist on the Twentieth Sunday after Trinity 2023
If we wish to be seen as virtuous, then we should commit to a life of virtue.
The Reverend Robert Latham Sacrist
Sunday, 22nd October 2023
Sermon preached at Evensong of the feast of the Dedication of Westminster Abbey, 2023
May we hold onto the perspective of the heavenly city as we seek the peace and prosperity of our city.
The Right Reverend Dr Joanne Grenfell Bishop of Stepney, Diocese of London
Sunday, 15th October 2023
Sermon preached on the feast of the Translation of St Edward the Confessor, 2023
This is an astonishing place, and today we honour the Saint whose gift it is.
The Reverend Mark Birch MVO Precentor
Friday, 13th October 2023
Sermon preached at Evensong on the Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity 2023
Discerning the will of God for our lives and obeying God’s commandments.
The Right Reverend Anthony Ball Canon in Residence
Sunday, 8th October 2023
Sermon preached at the Sung Eucharist with Inauguration of St Margaret's Choristers
This is wonderful, but it is also a little awkward.
The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle MBE Dean of Westminster
Sunday, 1st October 2023
Sermon given at a Sung Eucharist on the Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity 2023
Looking for just one thing.
The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle MBE Dean of Westminster
Sunday, 1st October 2023
Sermon preached at Eucharist with Ordination and Consecration 2023
St Michael and All Angels Genesis 28: 10–17
The Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle
Friday, 29th September 2023
Sermon preached at the Sung Eucharist on the Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity 2023
How will you engage in community with others in the Church?
The Reverend David Stanton Sub-Dean and Canon Treasurer
Sunday, 3rd September 2023
Sermon preached at Evensong on the Twelfth Sunday after Trinity 2023
'Let your gentleness be known to everyone.'
The Reverend David Stanton Canon in Residence
Sunday, 27th August 2023
Sermon preached at Evensong on the Eleventh Sunday after Trinity 2023
Humanitarianism is fundamental to the Christian faith.
The Reverend David Stanton Canon in Residence
Sunday, 20th August 2023
Sermon given at the Sung Eucharist on the Eleventh Sunday after Trinity 2023
There is no gap or limit to God’s mercy.
The Reverend Ralph Godsall Priest Vicar
Sunday, 20th August 2023
Sermon preached at Evensong on the Eighth Sunday after Trinity 2023
The dungeon shook and my chains fell off; I’m gonna grieve my Lord no more.
The Right Honourable The Lord Boateng CVO PC DL
Sunday, 30th July 2023
Sermon preached at the Sung Eucharist on the Eighth Sunday after Trinity 2023
Our life and our work can be given the dignity of revealing something of the kingdom of heaven.
The Reverend Dr James Hawkey Canon Theologian and Almoner
Sunday, 30th July 2023
Sermon preached at the Sung Eucharist on the Seventh Sunday after Trinity 2023
The sower has sown good seed in his field and looks forward to a good harvest.
The Reverend Prebendary Dr Tony Kyriakides Priest Vicar
Sunday, 23rd July 2023
Sermon preached at the Festival of St Margaret of Antioch 2023
God is with us in our trials and tribulations and will ultimately uphold the righteous.
The Reverend Ralph Godsall Priest Vicar
Thursday, 20th July 2023
Sermon preached at the Sung Eucharist on the First Sunday after Trinity 2023
‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’
The Reverend Justin White Priest Vicar
Sunday, 11th June 2023
Sermon preached at the Sung Eucharist of Trinity Sunday 2023
‘Firmly I believe and truly, God is three and God is one’
The Reverend David Stanton Sub-Dean and Canon Treasurer
Sunday, 4th June 2023
The Sermon preached on the Day of Pentecost 2023
The Holy Spirit is the invitation to all people, in all their diversity, to share in the Power of all our powers.
The Reverend Mark Birch MVO Precentor
Sunday, 28th May 2023
Sermon preached at the Sung Eucharist on the Seventh Sunday of Easter 2023
Hope and Despair
The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle MBE Dean of Westminster
Sunday, 21st May 2023
Sermon preached at the Sung Eucharist on Ascension Day 2023
Ascension Day declares the primary task of the Church universal, its true vocation.
The Reverend Ralph Godsall Priest Vicar
Thursday, 18th May 2023
Sermon preached at the Sung Eucharist on the Sixth Sunday of Easter 2023
‘If you love me, you will keep my commandments.’
The Reverend Robert Latham Sacrist
Sunday, 14th May 2023
The Sermon preached at the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III
We are here to crown a King, and we crown a King to serve.
The Right Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby Archbishop of Canterbury, Primate of All England and Metropolitan
Saturday, 6th May 2023
Homily given at Holy Communion on the Third Sunday of Easter 2023
Today is the day we traditionally honour St George.
The Venerable Tricia Hillas Canon Steward and Archdeacon of Westminster
Sunday, 23rd April 2023
Sermon given at Evensong on the Second Sunday of Easter 2023
The end of today’s second reading is perhaps the finest cliffhanger in history.
The Reverend Dr James Hawkey Canon in Residence
Sunday, 16th April 2023
Sermon given at the Sung Eucharist on the Second Sunday of Easter 2023
Peace be with you.
The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle MBE Dean of Westminster
Sunday, 16th April 2023
Sermon given at the Sung Eucharist on Easter Day 2023
Every broken fragment can now know healing in the light of Easter.
The Reverend Dr James Hawkey Canon Theologian and Almoner
Sunday, 9th April 2023
Sermon given at the Solemn Liturgy on Good Friday 2023
We must see man and God.
The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle MBE Dean of Westminster
Friday, 7th April 2023
Sermon given at the Sung Eucharist on Ash Wednesday 2023
We do not easily use the words provided.
The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle MBE Dean of Westminster
Wednesday, 22nd February 2023
Sermon given at Matins on the Second Sunday before Lent 2023
Let anyone with ears to hear—listen!
The Reverend Prebendary Dr Tony Kyriakides Priest Vicar
Sunday, 12th February 2023
Sermon given at Evensong on the Third Sunday before Lent 2023
Scripture is full of strange phrases.
The Reverend Dr James Hawkey Canon in Residence
Sunday, 5th February 2023
Sermon given at the Sung Eucharist of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple 2023
A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
The Reverend Mark Birch Precentor
Thursday, 2nd February 2023
Sermon given at the Sung Eucharist on the Fourth Sunday of Epiphany 2023
Poverty was turned to riches, sorrow into joy.
The Right Reverend Anthony Ball Canon Rector
Sunday, 29th January 2023
Sermon given at the Sung Eucharist on the Baptism of Christ 2023
We, the Church, have been entrusted with a message to rebalance our brains, and save our souls.
The Reverend Mark Birch Precentor
Sunday, 8th January 2023
Sermon given at the Sung Eucharist on the Second Sunday of Christmas 2023
A reflection on a much-overlooked part of the Christmas story from the Gospel of Matthew that encourages us to live as children of light in the world.
The Reverend Robert Latham Sacrist
Sunday, 1st January 2023
Sermon given at the Sung Eucharist on the First Sunday of Advent 2022
Is the coming of the Son of Man at an unexpected hour a threat or a promise?
The Reverend Dr James Hawkey Canon in Residence
Sunday, 27th November 2022
Sermon given at the Sung Eucharist on the feast of Christ the King 2022
Jesus rules from the cross and from the place of risen glory.
The Venerable Tricia Hillas Canon Steward and Archdeacon of Westminster
Sunday, 20th November 2022
Sermon given at Evensong on the Second Sunday before Advent 2022
The unknown warrior's burial somehow represents us all.
The Reverend Dr James Hawkey Canon in Residence
Sunday, 13th November 2022
Sermon given at Evensong on the Third Sunday before Advent 2022
‘O where shall wisdom be found?’
The Reverend Dr Charlie Bell Assistant Curate, St John the Divine, Kennington, and Fellow, Girton College, Cambridge
Sunday, 6th November 2022
Sermon given at Evensong on the Fourth Sunday before Advent 2022
‘The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end.’
The Venerable Tricia Hillas Canon in Residence
Sunday, 30th October 2022
Sermon given at the Sung Eucharist on the Fourth Sunday before Advent 2022
Forgiveness isn't fair.
The Reverend Mark Birch Precentor
Sunday, 30th October 2022
Sermon given at Evensong on the Last Sunday after Trinity 2022
‘Vanity of Vanities, says the Teacher; all is vanity.’
The Venerable Tricia Hillas Canon in Residence
Sunday, 23rd October 2022
Sermon given at Holy Communion on the Feast of the Dedication of Westminster Abbey, 2022
What does it mean to talk about being dedicated today?
The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle MBE Dean of Westminster
Sunday, 16th October 2022
Sermon given at Evensong on the Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity
'I have called you friends.'
The Venerable Tricia Hillas Canon in Residence
Sunday, 9th October 2022
Sermon given at the Sung Eucharist on the Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity 2022
What do you want?
The Reverend Dan Warnke Priest Vicar, and Chaplain, Westminster School
Sunday, 9th October 2022
Sermon given at Evensong on the Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity 2022
‘May you live in interesting times’
The Venerable Tricia Hillas Canon in Residence
Sunday, 2nd October 2022
Sermon given at the Sung Eucharist on the Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity 2022
Jesus has given us a pattern for living and for loving.
The Reverend Dr James Hawkey Canon Theologian and Almoner
Sunday, 2nd October 2022
Sermon given at Holy Communion on the Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity
Will we perish like fools or learn to live together as brothers and sisters?
The Reverend Dr Tony Kyriakides Priest Vicar
Sunday, 25th September 2022
Sermon given at Evensong on the Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity 2022
George Herbert
The Reverend David Stanton Canon in Residence
Sunday, 25th September 2022
Sermon given at Sung Eucharist on the Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity 2022
Honest and the knowledge that a different sort of community exists in God and can be ours.
The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle MBE Dean of Westminster
Sunday, 25th September 2022
Sermon given at the State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
The pattern for many leaders is to be exalted in life and forgotten after death. The pattern for all who serve God – famous or obscure, respected or ignored – is that death is the door to glory.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby
Monday, 19th September 2022
Sermon given at Matins in Thanksgiving for the Life of HM Queen Elizabeth II - Corinthians 15: 50
The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster
Sunday, 11th September 2022
Sermon given at Evensong on the Twelfth Sunday after Trinity 2022
Metropolitan Kallistos Ware
The Reverend David Stanton Canon in Residence
Sunday, 4th September 2022
Sermon given at Evensong on the Eleventh Sunday after Trinity 2022
God’s justice.
The Right Reverend Anthony Ball Canon in Residence
Sunday, 28th August 2022
Sermon given at the Sung Eucharist on the Eleventh Sunday after Trinity 2022
Invited to Dance
The Reverend Mark Birch Precentor
Sunday, 28th August 2022
Sermon given at Evensong on the Tenth Sunday after Trinity 2022
Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
The Right Reverend Anthony Ball Canon in Residence
Sunday, 21st August 2022
Sermon given at Evensong on the Ninth Sunday after Trinity 2022
Whom will he teach knowledge, and to whom will he explain the message?
The Right Reverend Anthony Ball Canon in Residence
Sunday, 14th August 2022
Sermon given at the Sung Eucharist on the Ninth Sunday after Trinity 2022
When God peers into my life, what does he see?
The Reverend Dr Tony Kyriakides
Sunday, 14th August 2022
Sermon given at Evensong on the Eighth Sunday after Trinity 2022
This beautiful world is now in crisis.
The Right Reverend Anthony Ball Canon in Residence
Sunday, 7th August 2022
Sermon given at the Sung Eucharist on the Sixth Sunday after Trinity 2022
Ask, search, knock.
The Reverend Mark Birch Precentor
Sunday, 24th July 2022
Sermon given at Evensong on the Fifth Sunday after Trinity 2022
Do not take yourself too seriously, but take the faith extremely seriously.
The Reverend Dr James Hawkey Canon in Residence
Sunday, 17th July 2022
Sermon given at Evensong on the Fourth Sunday after Trinity 2022
"Music and poetry have in all ages been counted divine..."
The Reverend Dr James Hawkey Canon in Residence
Sunday, 10th July 2022
Sermon given at Civic Matins 2022
What are you supposed to be? That interests me this morning.
The Venerable Tricia Hillas, on behalf of the Dean
Sunday, 3rd July 2022
Sermon given at the Sung Eucharist on the First Sunday after Trinity 2022
There has been much talk of borders in recent weeks.
The Reverend Dr James Hawkey Canon Theologian and Almoner
Sunday, 19th June 2022
Sermon given at the Sung Eucharist on Trinity Sunday 2022
The difficulty about that trinitarian doctrine is the difficulty of comprehending a love that goes so deep.
The Reverend Justin White Priest Vicar
Sunday, 12th June 2022
Sermon given at the Sung Eucharist on the Third Sunday of Easter 2022
Love bade me welcome.
The Venerable Tricia Hillas Canon Steward and Archdeacon of Westminster
Sunday, 1st May 2022
Sermon given at the Sung Eucharist on the Second Sunday of Easter 2022
Every eye will see him. No one, not a single Thomas, will be left in any doubt.
The Reverend Mark Birch Precentor
Sunday, 24th April 2022
Sermon given at the Sung Eucharist on Maundy Thursday 2022
It brought Jesus to his knees – a striking posture for God.
The Venerable Tricia Hillas Canon Steward and Archdeacon of Westminster
Thursday, 14th April 2022
Sermon given at the Sung Eucharist on the Fifth Sunday of Lent 2022
Passion, as a term, has a deeper more ancient usage.
The Venerable Tricia Hillas Canon Steward and Archdeacon of Westminster
Sunday, 3rd April 2022
Address given by the Prime Minister on the fifth anniversary of the attacks on Westminster Bridge and in New Palace Yard
'Death is swallowed up in victory.'
The Right Honourable Boris Johnson MP Prime Minister
Tuesday, 22nd March 2022
Address given at a Service of Commemoration to mark the 5th anniversary of the terrorist attack on Westminster Bridge and in New palace Yard
Today is a day to unite against evil. Today, we stand alongside each other to pause and pray.
The Reverend Tony Miles Superintendent Minister, Methodist Central Hall Westminster
Tuesday, 22nd March 2022
Sermon given at Evensong on the Third Sunday of Lent 2022
The story of Jacob’s ladder is one which has a fascinating reception history.
The Reverend Dr James Hawkey Canon in Residence
Sunday, 20th March 2022
Sermon given at the Sung Eucharist on the First Sunday of Lent 2022
Jesus was being tempted to be first the Provider; second, the Possessor; and third, the Performer.
The Reverend Mark Birch Precentor
Sunday, 6th March 2022
Sermon given at Evensong on the Second Sunday before Lent 2022
To begin to understand the present precarious situation in Ukraine we first need to understand what has happened in the past.
The Reverend David Stanton Canon in Residence
Sunday, 20th February 2022
Sermon given at the Sung Eucharist on the Second Sunday before Lent 2022
Sleep, in heaven, is impossible.
The Reverend Mark Birch Precentor
Sunday, 20th February 2022
Sermon given at the Sung Eucharist on the Third Sunday before Lent 2022
“What will you be satisfied with?”
The Reverend Dr James Hawkey Canon Theologian and Almoner
Sunday, 13th February 2022
