For Adults
Learning is central to the mission and outreach of Southwell Minster. The stunning Cathedral sits on a site which tells the story of our land from Roman times and, along with the Archbishop's Palace and Gardens, makes a rich resource for learning. We welcome all age groups to the Minster and regularly run guided tours and public talks. We aspire to offer learning for all – schools, community groups, adults and the interested visitor – keep an eye on the events calendar to see what’s on.
Our community is home to a range of lively groups where you can meet like-minded passionate individuals. Come together to study, collaborate and support the Minster community. Find out more below:
The group meets in person in term-time and is led by Alison Milbank. The group decide what they want to study.
Alison Milbank is Professor of Theology and Literature at the University of Nottingham and Canon Theologian at Southwell Minster. She works on many aspects of the relation of faith and the arts from Dante to Harry Potter, with a particular expertise in Gothic and horror fiction. She is currently writing on divine indwelling and the agency of nature in natural philosophy, poetry and art and a sequel to For the Parish, which she co-wrote with Andrew Davison in 2010: The Once and Future Parish.
To find out more and book a place please contact Alison Milbank.
Southwell Minster supports an annual series of House Groups. They provide an informal opportunity for members of the Minster community to get to know each other, learn and explore together questions about life and faith, grow spiritually, and feed through ideas and suggestions relating to Minster activities.
Each series runs from September to February, with a break for Christmas. People meet fortnightly in groups of seven to ten, in people’s homes and elsewhere. All are very welcome.
If you would like to join, or would like further information, please contact Hugh Middleton using this form, or ring 01623 411496.
Justice, Creation Care & Social Responsibility at Southwell Minster
Southwell Minster has a long‑standing commitment to justice, creation care, ethical stewardship and compassionate engagement with the social challenges facing our communities. This work is expressed through several dedicated groups and partnerships, each contributing to the Minster’s mission of living out the Gospel through practical action, advocacy and awareness‑raising.
The Minster’s remit naturally embraces a wide range of social and ethical concerns recognised across the Church of England, including homelessness, poverty and inequality, modern slavery, food poverty and foodbank support, migration, racial justice, mental‑health awareness, gender inclusion and responsible stewardship of resources. The Minster seeks to remain aware of, monitor and respond proactively to these issues as appropriate, working with partner organisations and local groups to support those in need and promote justice and compassion.
We work closely with Churches Together in Southwell, including its Christian Aid Committee, and with partner organisations beyond the local church such as Framework Housing Association and Church Action on Poverty. A weekly vigil for world peace is also supported as part of our commitment to prayerful engagement with global concerns.
Two working groups coordinate specific areas of activity: the Southwell Minster Environmental Action Group and the Fairtrade Working Group. Outlines of these groups follow. The convenor of each group, would be very happy to speak with anyone wishing to learn more about our work.
SOUTHWELL MINSTER ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION GROUP
Southwell Minster is responsible for a significant acreage of gardens, lawn and historic grasslands, which are being managed to enhance biodiversity in partnership with the Christian conservation charity A Rocha. Concern for God’s Creation is a feature of our regular worship. We work with several other local environmentally concerned organisations and Southwell Town Council, and in April 2024 we were awarded ‘Silver’ Eco‑Cathedral status. Hugh Middleton, Group Convenor.
MINSTER FAIRTRADE GROUP
As a certified Fairtrade Cathedral, Southwell Minster is committed to promoting trade justice and ethical consumption. The Fairtrade Working Group ensures the Minster upholds its certification standards, raises awareness of global trade inequalities, and supports producers through the use and sale of Fairtrade products. We organise events, worship resources and educational activities to encourage the congregation and wider community to choose Fairtrade and live out the Minster’s mission of justice and compassion. Derek Jackson, Group Convenor.
