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 recording of the sermon, which you can download as a podcast. You can also subscribe to our podcast to receive our latest sermons and lectures.
Advent Reflection #1
An Advent Reflection on the First Sunday of Advent on the theme of joy. You can watch the entire Reflection at the bottom of the page.
The Reverend Mark Birch, Minor Canon and Precentor
Sunday, 3rd December 2023
Sermon given at Sung Eucharist on the Epiphany of Our Lord
Matthew 2:1-12
The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle Dean of Westminster
Monday, 6th January 2020
Sermon at the Sung Eucharist on the Second Sunday of Christmas 2020
By grace we are gathered and by grace we shall be gathered.
The Reverend Mark Birch Minor Canon and Sacrist
Sunday, 5th January 2020
Sermon at Evensong on the First Sunday of Christmas 2019
We travel in faith, for the nativity story is one of journeys.
The Venerable David Stanton Canon in Residence
Sunday, 29th December 2019
Sermon given on Christmas Day 2019
John 1 1-14
The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle Dean of Westminster
Wednesday, 25th December 2019
Sermon given at Midnight Mass, Christmas 2019
Luke 2
The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle Dean of Westminster
Tuesday, 24th December 2019
Sermon at Evensong on the Fourth Sunday of Advent 2019
Where we have come from and where we belong now?
The Venerable David Stanton Canon in Residence
Sunday, 22nd December 2019
Sermon at Evensong on the Third Sunday of Advent 2019
Here, in this country, we are in changing, exciting, and challenging times.
The Venerable David Stanton Canon in Residence
Sunday, 15th December 2019
Sermon at Evensong on the Second Sunday of Advent 2019
"The things which matter most must never be at the mercy of the things which matter least." [Goethe]
The Venerable David Stanton Canon in Residence
Sunday, 8th December 2019
Sermon at the Sung Eucharist on the feast of Christ the King 2019
The ambiguity of a king who serves.
The Reverend Dr James Hawkey Canon Theologian
Sunday, 24th November 2019
Sermon at the Sung Eucharist on the Second Sunday before Advent 2019
‘See, the day is coming, burning like an oven.’
The Reverend Mark Birch Minor Canon and Sacrist
Sunday, 17th November 2019
Sermon given at Evensong with the Installation of Dr David Michael Hoyle as Dean of the Collegiate Church of St Peter in Westminster
Colossians 3:12-17
The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle Dean of Westminster
Saturday, 16th November 2019
Sermon at the Sung Eucharist on the Fourth Sunday before Advent 2019
The dignity of each person is the foundation of a moral vision for society.
The Venerable David Stanton Sub-Dean, Canon Treasurer, and Archdeacon of Westminster
Sunday, 3rd November 2019
Sermon at the Sung Eucharist on All Saints' Day 2019
This beautiful feast of All the Saints reminds us of the triumph our Lord Jesus Christ won over death.
The Very Reverend Dr John Hall Dean of Westminster
Friday, 1st November 2019
Sermon at the Evening Service on the Last Sunday after Trinity 2019
We are called to be reconciled to one another.
The Reverend Dr Tony Kyriakides Priest Vicar
Sunday, 27th October 2019
Sermon at a Service for Queen Anne's School, Caversham, to celebrate their 125th anniversary
We have been rooted in a good land.
The Reverend Mark Birch Minor Canon and Sacrist, and School Governor
Friday, 25th October 2019
Sermon given at the Dedication Festival Sung Eucharist
Today, we celebrate the anniversary of the dedication of this third Abbey Church, which took place 750 years ago last Sunday.
The Very Reverend Dr John Hall Dean of Westminster
Sunday, 20th October 2019
Celebrating the re-building of Westminster Abbey 1269 in the presence of HM The Queen
Our celebration today marks a particular moment in the long history of this Abbey Church.
The Very Reverend Dr John Hall Dean of Westminster
Tuesday, 15th October 2019
Sermon at Evensong on the Feast of the Translation of St Edward the Confessor 2019
The warrior and the saint, on the same axis, West and East
The Reverend Dr James Hawkey Canon in Residence
Sunday, 13th October 2019
Sermon at the Sung Eucharist on the Feast of the Translation of St Edward the Confessor 2019
Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?
The Reverend Professor Sarah Foot Canon of Christ Church and Regius Professor of Ecclesiastical History
in the University of Oxford
Sunday, 13th October 2019
Sermon at Evensong on the Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity 2019
One Saint in particular fascinated Henry: St Edward, King and Confessor
The Reverend Dr James Hawkey Canon in Residence
Sunday, 6th October 2019
Sermon at the Sung Eucharist of St Michael and All Angels 2019
Why are we all here?
The Very Reverend Dr John Hall Dean of Westminster
Sunday, 29th September 2019
Sermon at Evensong on the Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity 2019
Lancelot Andrewes
The Venerable David Stanton Canon in Residence
Sunday, 22nd September 2019
Sermon at the Sung Eucharist on the Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity 2019
What is money for?
The Reverend Mark Birch Minor Canon and Sacrist
Sunday, 22nd September 2019
Sermon at Evensong on the Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity 2019
Dr Edward Bouverie Pusey, who fought for the soul of our beloved Church of England.
The Venerable David Stanton Canon in Residence
Sunday, 15th September 2019
Sermon at Evensong with Installation of Headmaster and Admission of Choristers
Generations to come will look back at the music of our rich and creative times.
The Very Reverend Dr John Hall Dean of Westminster
Sunday, 8th September 2019
Sermon at Evensong of the Eleventh Sunday after Trinity 2019
On being economical with the truth
The Venerable David Stanton Sub-Dean, Canon Treasurer, and Archdeacon of Westminster
Sunday, 1st September 2019
Sermon at the Sung Eucharist on the Eleventh Sunday after Trinity 2019
Humility
The Venerable David Stanton Sub-Dean, Canon Treasurer, and Archdeacon of Westminster
Sunday, 1st September 2019
Sermon at Evensong on the Tenth Sunday after Trinity 2019
Encouraging words and actions have the power to motivate and breed success.
The Venerable David Stanton Canon in Residence
Sunday, 25th August 2019
Sermon at the Sung Eucharist on the Tenth Sunday after Trinity 2019
We need to recover a profound sense of the awe and wonder of God.
The Very Reverend Dr John Hall Dean of Westminster
Sunday, 25th August 2019
Sermon at Evensong on the Ninth Sunday after Trinity 2019
There is something more than just keeping to the strict rules or laws.
The Venerable David Stanton Canon in Residence
Sunday, 18th August 2019
Sermon at the Sung Eucharist on the Ninth Sunday after Trinity 2019
'We are haunted by God’s large purposes.'
The Reverend Ralph Godsall Priest Vicar
Sunday, 18th August 2019
Sermon at the Sung Eucharist of the Blessed Virgin Mary 2019
It’s not just about being good, it’s about becoming holy.
The Reverend Mark Birch Minor Canon and Sacrist
Thursday, 15th August 2019
Sermon at Evensong on the Eighth Sunday after Trinity 2019
The Venerable David Stanton Canon in Residence
Sunday, 11th August 2019
Sermon at the Sung Eucharist on the Eighth Sunday after Trinity 2019
Our vulnerability and our waiting, our faith, will not be in vain.
The Reverend Mark Birch Minor Canon and Sacrist
Sunday, 11th August 2019
Sermon at Evensong on the Seventh Sunday after Trinity
The Venerable David Stanton Canon in Residence
Sunday, 4th August 2019
Sermon at the Sung Eucharist on the Seventh Sunday after Trinity 2019
The vice which constantly seeks more possessions.
The Reverend Dr James Hawkey Canon Theologian
Sunday, 4th August 2019
Sermon at the Evening Service on the Fifth Sunday after Trinity 2019
Exactly who was Mary Magdalene?
The Reverend Dr Tony Kyriakides Priest Vicar
Sunday, 21st July 2019
Sermon at the Sung Eucharist on the Fifth Sunday after Trinity
If we only have the courage to stop and look and listen...
The Reverend Mark Birch Minor Canon and Sacrist
Sunday, 21st July 2019
Sermon at Evensong on the Second Sunday after Trinity 2019
“With what two crownes is this Citie adorned?”
The Reverend Dr James Hawkey Canon in Residence
Sunday, 30th June 2019
Sermon at the Sung Eucharist on the Eve of St Peter 2019
Should we think of St Peter as a good role model?
The Very Reverend Dr John Hall Dean of Westminster
Friday, 28th June 2019
Sermon at Evensong on the First Sunday after Trinity 2019
Wanting the best for our children.
The Reverend Dr James Walters Chaplain, London School of Economics
Sunday, 23rd June 2019
Sermon at the Sung Eucharist on Corpus Christi 2019
Christians have been accused of cannibalism since earliest times.
The Reverend Mark Birch Minor Canon and Sacrist
Thursday, 20th June 2019
Sermon at Evensong on the Day of Pentecost 2019
'Time is how you spend your love.'
The Reverend Dr James Hawkey Canon in Residence
Sunday, 9th June 2019
Sermon given on the Day of Pentecost
‘I am in the Father and the Father is in me.’ And he said, ‘I am going to the Father.’
The Very Reverend Dr John Hall Dean of Westminster
Sunday, 9th June 2019
Sermon at Evensong on the Seventh Sunday of Easter 2019
'He who descended is the same one who ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.'
The Reverend Dr James Hawkey Canon in Residence
Sunday, 2nd June 2019
Sermon at the Sung Eucharist on the Seventh Sunday of Easter 2019
What does it mean to believe in the resurrection when there are no more resurrection appearances?
The Reverend Mark Birch Minor Canon and Sacrist
Sunday, 2nd June 2019
Sermon at Ascension Day 2019
We celebrate today the last of our Lord’s resurrection appearances.
The Very Reverend Dr John Hall Dean of Westminster
Thursday, 30th May 2019
Sermon at the Sung Eucharist on the Sixth Sunday of Easter 2019
‘Those who love me will keep my word.’
The Venerable David Stanton Sub-Dean, Canon Treasurer, and Archdeacon of Westminster
Sunday, 26th May 2019
Address given at a Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Westminster Hospital
We honour the men and women who have served over the years and those who continue to serve in our own day.
The Very Reverend Dr John Hall Dean of Westminster
Thursday, 23rd May 2019
Sermon at the Sung Eucharist on the Fourth Sunday of Easter 2019
Tell us plainly what we need to know!
The Reverend Mark Birch Minor Canon and Sacrist
Sunday, 12th May 2019
Sermon at the Sung Eucharist on the Third Sunday of Easter 2019
Patterns of resurrection
The Reverend Dr James Hawkey Canon in Residence
Sunday, 5th May 2019
Sermon at Evensong at the Festival of Our Lady of Walsingham
'All these with one accord devoted themselves to prayer.'
The Most Reverend Rino Fisichella President of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelisation
Saturday, 4th May 2019
Sermon given at Festival of Our Lady of Walsingham Solemn Eucharist
What on earth just happened? What have we just done?
The Right Reverend Philip North Bishop of Burnley and Master of The Guardians of the Holy House
Saturday, 4th May 2019
Address given at a service to recognise fifty years of Continuous At Sea Deterrent
We cannot celebrate weapons of mass destruction. But we do owe a debt of gratitude and sincere thanks to all those countless men and women who in the past fifty years have maintained the deterrent, and indeed to their families who have stood by them.
The Very Reverend Dr John Hall Dean of Westminster
Friday, 3rd May 2019
Sermon at Evensong on the Second Sunday of Easter 2019
‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us?’
The Venerable David Stanton Canon in Residence
Sunday, 28th April 2019
Address given on ANZAC Day 2019
We pray for a lasting peace in the world and for friendship to continue with Turkey and all the other nations with whom we were in conflict.
The Very Reverend Dr John Hall Dean of Westminster
Thursday, 25th April 2019
Sermon at Evensong on Easter Day 2019
One of the most enduring images of this last week was the majestic golden altar cross seen glowing among the ashes of Notre Dame cathedral.
The Venerable David Stanton Canon in Residence
Sunday, 21st April 2019
Sermon at the Sung Eucharist on Easter Day 2019
Now we enter fully into the joy of the risen Lord.
The Very Reverend Dr John Hall Dean of Westminster
Sunday, 21st April 2019
Sermon in the Chapel Royal, St James's Palace, on Good Friday 2019
The passion and death of our Lord Jesus Christ stand at the centre of our historic inheritance in this country.
The Very Reverend Dr John Hall Dean of Westminster
Friday, 19th April 2019
Sermon at the Sung Eucharist on Maundy Thursday 2019
Our Lord Jesus Christ offered his back to the smiters and his body on the Cross on Good Friday.
The Very Reverend Dr John Hall Dean of Westminster
Thursday, 18th April 2019
Sermon given at Evensong on Palm Sunday 2019
Above all, this coming week is all about grace.
The Venerable David Stanton Canon in Residence
Sunday, 14th April 2019
Sermon at Evensong on the Fifth Sunday of Lent 2019
Today is the end of the beginning and the beginning of the end
The Venerable David Stanton Canon in Residence
Sunday, 7th April 2019
Sermon given at the Sung Eucharist on the Third Sunday of Lent 2019
Where will I end up?
The Reverend Mark Birch Minor Canon and Sacrist
Sunday, 24th March 2019
Sermon given at the Sung Eucharist on the Second Sunday of Lent 2019
How far will we go for our neighbour? How far will we go to live a properly Christian life?
The Reverend Dr James Hawkey Canon Theologian
Sunday, 17th March 2019
Sermon at the Sung Eucharist on the First Sunday of Lent 2019
Lent 2019 is an exciting, but testing time to live the holy life.
The Venerable David Stanton Sub-Dean, Canon Treasurer, and Archdeacon of Westminster
Sunday, 10th March 2019
Sermon at the Sung Eucharist on Ash Wednesday 2019
First, we must approach God in penitence, acknowledging our sinfulness.
The Very Reverend Dr John Hall Dean of Westminster
Wednesday, 6th March 2019
Address at the Evening Service on the Sunday next before Lent 2019
Have you ever wondered how Jesus might have engaged with social media?
The Reverend Dr Tony Kyriakides Priest Vicar
Sunday, 3rd March 2019
Sermon at Evensong on the Second Sunday before Lent 2019
Our relationship with creation
The Reverend Dr James Hawkey Canon Theologian
Sunday, 24th February 2019
Sermon at Evensong on the Third Sunday before Lent 2019
Seeing in the dark
The Reverend Dr James Hawkey Canon in Residence
Sunday, 17th February 2019
Sermon at the Sung Eucharist on the Third Sunday before Lent 2019
Against the odds
The Reverend Jane Sinclair Canon of Westminster and Rector of St Margaret's Church
Sunday, 17th February 2019
Sermon at Evensong on the Fourth Sunday before Lent 2019
Seeing in the light
The Reverend Dr James Hawkey Canon Theologian
Sunday, 10th February 2019
Sermon at Evensong on the Fifth Sunday before Lent 2019
'There are two eyes of the soul, reason and love.'
The Reverend Dr James Hawkey Canon Theologian
Sunday, 3rd February 2019
Sermon at the Sung Eucharist on the Fifth Sunday before Lent 2019
In God’s house, it’s old and young together, needing each other, valuing and validating each other.
The Reverend Jennifer Petersen Minor Canon and Chaplain
Sunday, 3rd February 2019
Sermon at the Sung Eucharist on the Eve of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple 2019
Everything comes together when we think not of the sacrifice of animals but of the redeeming sacrifice of the first-born Son of God
The Very Reverend Dr John Hall Dean of Westminster
Friday, 1st February 2019
Sermon at the Sung Eucharist on the Fourth Sunday of Epiphany 2019
Jesus is talking about us, challenging us to live the social ramifications of his message.
The Reverend Dr James Hawkey Canon Theologian
Sunday, 27th January 2019
Sermon at the Sung Eucharist on the Third Sunday of Epiphany 2019
In the Gospels we find lots of references to wedding feasts.
The Venerable David Stanton Sub-Dean, Canon Treasurer, and Archdeacon of Westminster
Sunday, 20th January 2019
Sermon given at A Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Alleyn’s School
It is a pleasure to welcome the students and staff and the wider community of Alleyn’s School to the Abbey to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the foundation of Edward Alleyn’s educational trust that has given rise over the centuries to three significant and successful schools in Dulwich.
The Very Reverend Dr John Hall Dean of Westminster
Friday, 18th January 2019
Address at A Service of Thanksgiving for The Reverend Dr Anthony E Harvey 1930–2018
‘Utterances that are interminable or spasmodic; artistic works or performances without recognisable form; leadership which appears random or impractical – all these fail to communicate because they do not work within the constraints imposed by the rhythm of human activity and the conventions of culture and civilisation’
The Right Reverend and Right Honourable The Lord Williams of Oystermouth former Archbishop of Canterbury
Tuesday, 15th January 2019
Sermon given at the Installation of Paul Baumann CBE as Receiver General
This time of year seems to me to leave us in a state of querulous anxiety.
The Very Reverend Dr John Hall Dean of Westminster
Saturday, 12th January 2019
Sermon at the Sung Eucharist on the Epiphany of Our Lord 2019
We must live like Jesus in loving service of our fellow men and women, now in this blessed year, 2019
The Very Reverend Dr John Hall Dean of Westminster
Sunday, 6th January 2019
Sermon at the Sung Eucharist on the First Sunday of Christmas 2018
There is so much we do not know...
The Reverend Ralph Godsall Priest Vicar
Sunday, 30th December 2018
Sermon given at Sung Eucharist on Christmas Day 2018
The heart of the joy of Christmas gives almost universal pleasure.
The Very Reverend Dr John Hall Dean of Westminster
Tuesday, 25th December 2018
Sermon given at Midnight Mass at Christmas 2018
‘When the angels had left them, the shepherds said one to another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.”’
The Very Reverend Dr John Hall Dean of Westminster
Monday, 24th December 2018
