"Faith in the City" Annual Lecture
‘Faith in the City’ can be taken in two ways. Interpreted one way, it alludes to the role and prospects for the Christian faith in the highly secularized cities of contemporary Scotland. Interpreted in another, it invites reflection on the extent to which confidence can still be placed in city government as a key component in our common culture and social environment. The aim of this annual lecture, sponsored by the Friends of St Andrew’s Cathedral, is to stimulate thought and debate that connects both interpretations.
Inaugural Lecture, 7pm Friday March 29th 2019
‘Communities and Consumers’. Over the last few decades, high streets have declined dramatically, while city churches are emptier than ever. Is there any connection between these two features of modern urban life? In this inaugural “Faith in the City” lecture, Professor Gordon Graham FRSE, Chair of the Friends of St Andrew’s Cathedral, argues that there is. The individualistic consumerism that marks contemporary social attitudes, makes Christian faith and civic responsibility natural allies. Exploring this alliance more closely is a first step in benefitting them both. The Lord Provost, Councillor Barney Crockett, will respond to the lecture, and the audience is invited to participate in a general discussion with the Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney in the Chair.
Everyone is welcome to this lecture, which will be followed by an opportunity for exchange and conversation.

The Rt Revd Anne Dyer was consecrated Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney in March 2018, the first woman ever to be appointed a Bishop in Scotland. Born in Yorkshire, she is a graduate of the University of Oxford and King’s College London. She was an Honorary Canon of Rochdale Cathedral from 2000-2004, and served as Warden of Cranmer Hall, Durham, a theological college of the Church of England, from 2005-11. She came to the Scottish Episcopal Church when she was appointed Rector of Holy Trinity Church, Haddington, in the Diocese of Edinburgh in 2011, until her consecration as Bishop.