Canon Dr Paula Gooder will preach the University Sermon in Great St Mary's, the University Church, at 11.15 a.m. on Sunday, 28 January. Her sermon is titled 'Seeing salvation? Salvation and God's message of transformation in the Gospel of Luke'.
Paula Gooder is Director for Mission Learning and Development in the Diocese of Birmingham, Canon Theologian of the Cathedral and also a Lay Reader.
After obtaining her first degree and doctorate at the University of Oxford, Dr Gooder spent twelve years teaching biblical studies for ministerial formation, first at Cuddesdon and then at the Queen’s Foundation for Ecumenical Theological Education, Birmingham. From this followed a period as a freelance writer and lecturer in biblical studies, during the latter part of which she was part-time and then finally full-time Theologian in Residence at the Bible Society. In 2017 she moved on to take up her current appointment.
In addition to a Six Preachership at Canterbury Cathedral, she has also held Honorary or Visiting Lectureships or Tutorships at the University of St Andrew’s and at Kings College, London, at Trinity College, Bristol and at St Mellitus College, London. A member of the General Synod 2005-15, she served on the Women in Episcopacy drafting group and steering committee 2006-14 and is currently a member of the ecumenical Anglican Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC III).
Dr Gooder has written or co-authored nearly thirty books and numerous articles, most recently Let Me Go There: The Spirit of Lent (2016).
Earlier titles include Body: Biblical Spirituality for the Whole Person (2016), Journey to the Manger (2015) and Heaven (2011).
The Choir of Pembroke College will sing at the Sermon.
All are welcome and there will be a wine-reception in Michaelhouse afterwards for those present. Members of the University attending should wear their gowns.