Westminster Abbey

Standing in Westminster Abbey's Pyx Chamber, Mark Easton and Rosanna Barry, Clerk in the House of Lords, discuss the purpose of democracy. What can one of the oldest surviving parts of Westminster Abbey teach us today about the past, present and future of democracy?
Westminster in conversation is a new podcast with Mark Easton, as he walks through the monumental surroundings of Westminster Abbey with those who serve at the heart of public life. This podcast is part of Westminster Abbey Institute's 2026 Autumn season - The Long Story of Democracy. As the UK’s democracy continues to evolve, Westminster Abbey Institute invites you to the place where it began with this programme of events: Public Programmes | Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey Institute aims to nurture and revitalise moral and spiritual values in public life and service. It seeks to replenish and sustain public servants of all faiths and none, and to celebrate and animate public service as a force for good. The Institute draws on Westminster Abbey’s resources of spirituality and theological learning, rooted in its daily worshipping life and broader Christian tradition, to convene discussion, nourish reflection and inspire regeneration: The Institute | Westminster Abbey

In each episode, a different guest working in public service will take Mark Easton to a historic space, memorial or object in the Abbey, reflecting on what the past can teach us about the present state of democracy.

Join Mark Easton in Westminster Abbey's Chapter House in conversation with Ed Humpherson, Director General of the Office for Statistics Regulation. Discover hidden stories within Westminster Abbey while exploring what it means to have faith in democracy and discussing the past, present and future of democracy.
 
Westminster in conversation is a new podcast with Mark Easton, as he walks through the monumental surroundings of Westminster Abbey with those who serve at the heart of public life. This podcast is part of Westminster Abbey Institute's 2026 Autumn season - The Long Story of Democracy. As the UK’s democracy continues to evolve, Westminster Abbey Institute invites you to the place where it began with this programme of events: Public Programmes | Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey Institute aims to nurture and revitalise moral and spiritual values in public life and service. It seeks to replenish and sustain public servants of all faiths and none, and to celebrate and animate public service as a force for good. The Institute draws on Westminster Abbey’s resources of spirituality and theological learning, rooted in its daily worshipping life and broader Christian tradition, to convene discussion, nourish reflection and inspire regeneration: The Institute | Westminster Abbey

'Turn to the back of the book, read the last sentence too soon, and you spoil the story.  It is a mistake we can make at Easter. ‘The day of resurrection, earth tell it out abroad’.  That’s a marvellous beginning. Easter Day is a great proclamation, but then we’re tempted to rush headlong, up from earth into the sky. It’s Easter and we are all going to heaven. ‘from earth unto the sky, our Christ has brought us over’ we sing in that famous Easter hymn. We have turned to the last page. Our telling of the story ends too soon.'
Listen to a reflection for Easter Sunday by the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster. 
After spending Lent exploring the life and work of Jesus through the 'I Am' statements in John's gospel, we now move to the events of Holy Week. From Palm Sunday to Easter Day, our reflections now focus on the meaning behind each significant day of Holy Week. Thank you for joining us as we've followed the story of Jesus – from triumph to tragedy, from the cross to the empty tomb. We wish you a very Happy Easter.

'To talk of ‘descent’ is, of course, a metaphor – the closest we can get to understanding what is going on.  But Holy Saturday is when this metaphor must yield to another; of rising, of being raised.  The descent into the human condition; into suffering and death and into the furthest alienation from love and life, reaches its limit today.'
Listen to a reflection for Holy Saturday by the Reverend Mark Birch, Canon Rector at the Abbey. 
After spending Lent exploring the life and work of Jesus through the 'I Am' statements in John's gospel, we now move to the events of Holy Week. From Palm Sunday to Easter Day, our reflections now focus on the meaning behind each significant day of Holy Week. Join us as we follow the story of Jesus – from triumph to tragedy, from the cross to the empty tomb.