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Durham Cathedral to host Courts of Justice service with Lord Sumption

Published: Wednesday 1 July 2026

On Sunday 12 July 2026, Durham Cathedral will host its annual Matins for the Courts of Justice, welcoming those who serve across the legal profession in the North East.

All are welcome to join this special service, as we give thanks to God for everyone involved in the administration of justice in the region. The service lasts about an hour, starting at 11am, and representatives of the judiciary, legal practitioners and civic leaders will be in attendance.

Guest speaker: Lord Sumption

The address will be given by The Right Honourable Lord Sumption, former Justice of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, who will speak on morality in international affairs.

Lord Sumption, OBE KC, is a distinguished barrister, senior judge, author and medieval historian, who served on the Supreme Court from 2012 to 2018 and later sat on the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal. 

The Very Revd Dr Philip Plyming, Dean of Durham, will preach this service, continuing the Cathedral’s tradition of marking the important role of the law in public life.

Music will be led by Durham Cathedral Choir, as they mark their last day of the summer term before summer break.

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