A former director of the UK’s leading religion think tank is set to visit Leicester to explore how ancient Christian practices may help people navigate modern uncertainty.
Elizabeth Oldfield, former director of Theos and host of The Sacred podcast, has been chosen to deliver the 2026 edition of the Bishop of Leicester Chaplaincy Lecture Series.
Picture credit: Elizabeth Oldfield
The free public lecture will take place on Thursday 30 April at the University of Leicester, with attendees encouraged to reserve a place in advance via the university’s website.
Speaking ahead of the event, Oldfield said periods of instability often prompt a search for deeper sources of wisdom.
“When the times are turbulent, we need wisdom. We look back to see how humans have survived and even sometimes thrived through more turbulent times than ours,” she said.
She added that there appears to be a growing openness – particularly among younger people – to exploring religion as a source of insight.
“In this lecture, I’ll unpack why, somewhat to my surprise, there may be much wisdom for these times to be found in the ancient practices of Christianity,” Oldfield said. “This event will explore how, whether you feel drawn to its metaphysical claims or not, this tradition might hold tools and spiritual technologies to help us navigate whatever is coming next.”
The Bishop of Leicester Chaplaincy Lecture Series, established in 2022, is a joint initiative between the university’s chaplaincy and the Anglican Diocese of Leicester. The series aims to offer a Christian perspective on contemporary issues.
It is funded through a legacy donation from the late Rev Derek Hole.
Following the lecture, attendees will have the opportunity to take part in a question-and-answer session with the speaker, before a reception at the Chaplaincy Gatehouse.
