On a glorious summer evening in June members gathered at Wolfson College to listen to a talk by Fergus Butler-Gallie, (Vicar of Charlbury with Shorthampton.). Fergus is a writer and priest who has ministered in parishes in Liverpool and Central London before settling in Oxfordshire. He has written A Field Guide to the English Clerg, and a memoir, Touching Cloth, both of which have received good reviews.”
Based on his most recent book Twelve Churches: An unlikely history of the buildings that made Christianity” (August 2025) , Butler-Gallie took the audience on a historical journey, exploring the role of hope, faith and beauty in Christianity, but also its fraught relationships with sex, violence and power.
The journey started in Bethlehem onwards to Rome, Istanbul, Greece, Ethiopia, England, Japan, Africa and the United States .
Widely known for his lively and provocative writing in the press Butler Gallie held the attention of the audience with a mix of intellectual rigour and humorous historical asides.
Afterwards members gathered on the college lawn for drinks and canapes and the opportunity to talk to the speaker. One observed that a marketing opportunity had been missed as the book is not due for release until August. There were many present who would have eagerly purchased the book in exchange for the author’s signing.
Our thanks to the President and staff of the college for hosting this memorable event.