Guest Speaker:
The Rev. Dr. Sam Wells
The Rev. Dr. Sam Wells
Vicar, St. Martin-in-the-Fields, London
‘Being With’ in a time of polarization
Monday, November 17, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
Free and open to the public
Ordained in the Church of England, he has served as a parish priest for 27 years, 10 of those in urban areas. He also spent seven years in as dean of Duke University Chapel, where he and the Rev. Abby Kocher, our director of children’s ministry, became colleagues and friends; they have written two books together. He is a widely known preacher, writer, broadcaster, institutional leader and lecturer. He is visiting professor of Christian ethics at King’s College and a regular contributor to Thought for the Day on BBC Radio 4’s Today program. He has published 50 books, including works on Christian ethics, mission, ministry, scripture, liturgy, and preaching. He and his wife Jo Wells, who is Deputy Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, have two adult children.
We have used the “Being With” approach in several small groups at St. Stephen’s and will offer a new series of these groups in 2026.
During our community-wide offering, Dr. Wells will speak about the theology and practice of Being With as a faithful and countercultural response to this moment in the life of the church and our country. We will reflect on the importance of compassion, empathy, and connection as an antidote to polarization and enmity.
No registration is required for this free event which will be followed by a reception.
Dr. Wells’ lecture is part of St. Stephen’s “Week of Compassion.”