In this episode of the Southwark Cathedral Podcast, the Dean, Mark Oakley, is joined by writer and priest Carys Walsh for a recorded conversation of the author's talk exploring the poetry and theology of Gerard Manley Hopkins.

Drawing on Walsh’s book Dappled Beauty, they reflect on Hopkins’ distinctive language and spiritual imagination. Together they consider how Hopkins’ vision of beauty, suffering, and renewal continues to speak to contemporary faith, offering a thoughtful and prayerful lens through which to approach the season of Lent.

In this episode of the Southwark Cathedral Podcast, the Dean interviews Jo Berry, who shares her incredible journey of reconciliation and peacebuilding following the murder of her father, a Conservative MP, in the 1984 Brighton Hotel bombing. Jo discusses her vow to bring something positive out of her father's death, her meeting with Patrick Magee, the man responsible for planting the bomb, and the ongoing efforts of her charity, Building Bridges for Peace. The conversation also explores the broader themes of empathy, humanity, and the importance of creating a world where conflicts are resolved without violence. Jo's story is a powerful testament to the potential for transformation and healing, even in the face of profound trauma.

00:00 Introduction to the Southwark Cathedral Podcast

00:11 Jo Berry's Story

02:12 The Journey of Reconciliation Begins

05:05 Meeting Patrick McGee

11:14 The Impact of Reconciliation

14:32 Reflections on Peace and Violence

31:22 Building Bridges for Peace

33:48 Final Thoughts and Farewell

In this episode of The World Needs More Poetry on the Southwark Cathedral podcast the Dean is joined by Anna Rastelli, a writer, poet, theatre director, and a staff member at Southwark Cathedral. Anna discusses her role at the Cathedral and how she has organized queer poetry evenings to create a safe, inclusive space for LGBTQ+ individuals. The conversation then shifts to a seasonal poem, 'In the Bleak Midwinter' by Christina Rossetti, which Anna reads and analyzes. Anna shares her admiration for Rossetti's work, noting its blend of gothic and Christian themes, and reflects on the poem's deeper messages of humility and giving one's heart. The discussion touches on Rossetti's life, her crisis of faith, and her contributions to literature. Anna also speaks about the challenges and values of the younger generation, the importance of community in churches, and the enduring relevance of Rossetti's poetry.

In the latest episode of our 'The World Needs More Poetry,' series, the Dean is joined by our new Director of Music, Helen Smee. Helen talks about her musical background, her family's artistic influences, and her roots in London, leading to her roles in Cambridge, London, and Oxford before returning to Southwark. She shares her deep connections with the Cathedral and her passion for her current role. Helen discusses her feelings about poetry, comparing its depth to music and other art forms.

The conversation delves into the selected poem 'The Holy Communion' by Henry Vaughan, analyzing its themes, structure, and musical adaptations. Helen articulates her love for metaphysical poets like Vaughan and their influence on modern composers. 

The Dean recently gave a talk on ‘What are the Psalms?’ Listen now to explore what the psalms are, when and why they were written, and how they speak to our faith today.

For those who wish to read more on this subject, the following books are recommended:

Charlie Bell: Searched Me Out and Known Me

John L. Bell: Living with the Psalms

Walter Brueggemann: Spirituality of the Psalms

Walter Brueggemann: Praying the Psalms

Pula Gooder: Journalling the Psalms – A Guide for Reflection and Prayer

CS Lewis: Reflections on the Psalms

You might also like to watch three talks on Youtube by Walter Brueggemann called ‘The Psalms: The Hard Road from Obedience to Praise’.

The latest podcast in our ‘The World Needs More Poetry’ series is a conversation between the Dean and Dame Mary Beard on her chosen poem ‘The Odyssey’ by Homer. Mary Beard is very well known as a Classicist and as a popular broadcaster and writer. In their dialogue together, we hear about the origin of the Odyssey, its main characters and themes, and are left to explore questions about the nature of heroism, the complications of returning home, of becoming an adult, and of understanding power.

We recently hosted writer and activist Emily Kenway to give a talk aboout her first book, The Truth About Modern Slavery. Throughout the evening Emily addressed modern slavery, and its misrepresentation in political and cultural narratives. Kenway, an advisor to the UK's first anti-slavery commissioner, emphasises the difference between the real experiences of victims and the stories shaped for political motives. She discusses the conditions that foster exploitation, the misuse of the term 'modern slavery,' and how systemic issues like weak labour rights, poor regulation, and political convenience contribute to it. Emily uses examples like car washes, nail bars, and supply chains to illustrate inconsistent attitudes towards labour exploitation. She advocates for addressing systemic issues rather than focusing on sensationalized rescue efforts, stressing the need to understand and tackle the root causes of exploitation.