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Durham Cathedral Institute

Launched in 2022, the Institute brings the public square to Durham Cathedral, hosting discussion of vital political, social, ethical, and spiritual issues, with and for the people of the North East.

A living tradition

Durham has always been a place of intellectual enquiry - up to and beyond the decisive role of Bishop William van Mildert in founding Durham University in 1832. The Institute builds upon centuries of learning, deep and generous listening, and collective discernment.

We are keen to hear from residents, school groups, business leaders, students, and anyone with a stake in the future flourishing of justice and the common good in the North East of England.

Upcoming Institute Events

Please check back in August 2026 when we announce the latest programme of Durham Cathedral Institute events.

Past Institute Events

In God We Trust? Religion and the State, 250 Years after the American Declaration of Independence – with Dr Fiona Hill and Canon Professor Simon Oliver

Monday 29 June 2026, 7.30pm

Nearly 250 years after the United States Declaration of Independence enshrined the principle of separation between church and state, questions about the relationship between religion and political authority remain both contested and crucial. Commentators note the influence of Christian denominations, particularly from the so-called evangelical right, in determining the outcome of US elections. And across the United States, the UK and other Western democracies, faith continues to shape public life in ways that challenge, inform and sometimes divide us.

In this special evening at Durham Cathedral, internationally renowned foreign policy expert and Chancellor of Durham University Dr Fiona Hill was joined by Simon Oliver, Van Mildert Professor in the Department of the Theology and Religion, to reflect on how religion and state interact with particular reference to the United States, Russia, Germany and the UK.

Drawing on their understanding of different contexts past and present, they explored how the relationship between religion and state is one that is constantly changing, and holds both opportunities and threats for community and global cohesion.

The evening was hosted and chaired by the Dean of Durham, the Very Revd Dr Philip Plyming and included time for audience Q&A.

More about Dr Fiona Hill...

Dr Hill grew up in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, and has served as Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Director for European and Russian Affairs on the US National Security Council. She is widely recognised as one of the world’s leading commentators on Russia, Europe and global security, and currently serves as a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and Chancellor of Durham University. Professor Oliver is Van Mildert Professor of Divinity at Durham University and a leading voice on theology, ethics and public life.

The Durham Cathedral Institute has welcomed Dr Hill to speak at previous debates, such as:

Cuthbert, Bede and the Renewal of Culture – with Tom Holland

In a world of global insecurity, cultural tribalism and political volatility, leading historian Tom Holland invited the audience to consider what Cuthbert and Bede might have to say today.

Magna Carta and its influence today: A Durham Cathedral Institute debate

Magna Carta is one of the most important documents in Britain’s legal history. To celebrate the 800th anniversary of the 1225 Magna Carta in the cathedral's collection, the Institute hosted an informative panel that discussed Magna Carta origins, its importance over time and its continuing contemporary relevance today.

Hope in a Time of Darkness: A Lecture by His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Radcliffe OP

The Institute was delighted to host the 2025 Dunn Memorial Lecture of the Centre for Catholic Studies at Durham University. Distinguished Catholic priest, theologian, and church leader Cardinal Radcliffe spoke about hope in a time of darkness and the role of education.

General Elections Hustings

In June 2024 , Durham Cathedral Institute and Durham Churches Together hosted a General Election Hustings for the City of Durham constituency.

Prisons Week Seminar - Divorcing justice from vengeance in sentencing: are longer prison sentences the right way forward?

Prisons Week, a Christian initiative centered around Prisons Sunday, has been marked for more than forty years and raises awareness of all those affected by prisons.

Democracy: what future? A discussion with Nick Robinson and Ed Balls

In 2024, the UK is likely to see a general election and there will be a US presidential election, which could feature Donald Trump as the Republican candidate.

Examining Schools: What’s the Future for Secondary Education?

In October 2023, the Durham Cathedral Institute discussed the secondary education sector and the significant shocks it has experienced in recent years, with the pandemic severely disrupting pupil learning.

Levelling-up or Left Behind?

Two leading experts, Dr Fiona Hill and Professor John Tomaney, discussed the restoration of communities and the renewal of opportunity and social mobility.
Durham Cathedral lit blue and yellow in solidarity with Ukraine

War In Ukraine: Durham Cathedral Institute Lecture by Bridget Kendall

Bridget Kendall MBE gave the first lecture of the Durham Cathedral Institute on the political and historical contexts of the war in Ukraine.

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Support the Institute

It would not be possible to deliver Institute events without donations and sponsorship.

The Cathedral is grateful for the support of Hotel Indigo, a boutique hotel located in Durham's Old Shire Hall, home of the County Council from 1898 to 1963. Distinguished by its own striking architectural features, including stained glass, Hotel Indigo has 83 modern bedrooms, decorated to celebrate local landmarks, including the Cathedral.

'We are grateful for our partnership with Durham Cathedral. It is very easy to celebrate one of the UK’s most iconic buildings - our guests are continuously leaving their time in Durham astounded by the city’s beauty and the experience they have had discovering its history, architecture and splendour.' - Tom Orange, General Manager, Hotel Indigo

If, like us, you are passionate about bringing the UK's national conversation to the North East and you would like to support the Institute, we would love to hear from you. 

Get in touch with the Development Team at development@durhamcathedral.co.uk