JOHN SHELBY SPONG – JOHN A. T. ROBINSON Lectureship Created in the UK

The Very Reverend Peter Francis, Warden and Dean of the Gladstone Library in Hawarden, United Kingdom recently announced the formation of an annual lectureship on progressive theology to begin in 2013.  This lectureship will be named the John Shelby Spong-John A. T. Robinson Lectureship, honoring two of the Anglican Communion’s best known progressive bishops.  Bishop Spong, who was elected a Fellow of the Gladstone Library by the Board of Trustees some years ago, has been a guest lecturer at the Library regularly over the last twelve years.  Bishop Robinson, who died in 1983 and who was Bishop Spong’s mentor and friend, has by the action of his family donated all of his extensive collection of personal and theological books to the Gladstone Library.  Other notable Church of England theologians who have placed their books in the care of this Library include Professor Don Cupitt of Cambridge University and Dr. Eric James, the official biographer of John A. T. Robinson.

The Gladstone Library has become a powerful force in the task of re-thinking Christianity for a new century and affirming the work of the Anglican Communion’s pioneer thinkers.

Funds to endow this lectureship will be solicited beginning in 2012.  With the announcement made at the end of Bishop Spong’s last conference there this summer a sum of 5000 pounds was raised in pledges from the conference attendees alone.

For further information contact Peter Francis, The Gladstone Library, St. Deiniol’s Church Lane, Hawarden, Flintshire CH5 3DF United Kingdom.