Dr Gwen Adshead who in 2024 gave the BBC Reith Lectures, speaks about her work as a forensic psychiatrist working with some of Britain’s worst offenders. She talks about the nature of violence and the balance between public protection and punishment, and whether rehabilitation and restorative justice and even forgiveness is possible.
St Martin-in-the-Fields Autumn Lecture Series 2025 investigates those things in which we believe deeply – and for which we would be prepared to make a costly stand. We have assembled an inspirational line-up of speakers from the world of faith, politics, literature, poetry, dance, economics, psychology, history and academia. Each lecture addresses this question through the lives and perspectives of people who have advocated and often faced opposition for the things they believe in: individuals who have not just written or spoken about, but lived the values they have professed. Each of these speakers through their lives offer insight, prophecy, challenge, controversy, hope, warning, courage and vision. Where do you stand?
This autumn we listen to and learn from figures who have faced criticism and hostility for where they stand but have stood firm nonetheless. We invite you to join them and reflect on where and how you might be called to do the same.
Revd Dr Sam Wells
Vicar, St Martin-in-the-Fields