Welfare might be said to begin where progress narratives fail. It has also been said that the poor will always be with us. How we care for the poor – and those in any kind of need – reflects the foundations and superstructure of our theology: what we believe about our selves, our world, and our God.

Join us in-person or online for a robust discussion about the moral centre, objectives, and changing face of welfare, guided by Dr Nick Spencer, drawing from his most recent book Christianity and the Future of Welfare was published by Cambridge University Press in 2026.

All are warmly invited for refreshments following the lecture downstairs in the Crypt of St James'.

This is a free event but registration is essential for catering purposes. Donations towards costs will be gratefully received.

Dr Nick Spencer is Senior Fellow at Theos, a London-based public theology think tank in London, and host of the influential podcast Reading Our Times. His books include The Landscapes of Science and Religion (OUP, 2025), Playing God: Science, Religion and the Future of Humanity (2024), and Magisteria: the entangled histories of science and religion (Oneworld, 2023). He holds honorary or visiting positions at Bishop Grosseteste University; St John’s College, Durham; and University College, London, and is a Fellow of the International Society of Science and Religion.

The Progress and Purpose series is hosted by the St James' Institute and Gospel Conversations, and held in-person at St James' King Street, Sydney, and streamed online.

Image: William Morris print held by Birmingham Museums Trust on Unsplash.

Contact the host of The Future of Welfare