Dr Liam Hayes, the director of our Centre for Ecclesial Ethics at MBI, delivered the Believing, not Belonging lecture at New Hall School, Chelmsford in January 2025.

Liam was invited by the Canonesses of the Holy Sepulchre to share the findings and explore the implications of his recent research as part of the Big Questions series that focuses on contemporary controversial issues.

A large and diverse audience from across and beyond Brentwood Diocese, including sixth form students form the school, gathered for the lecture and following discussion that grappled with the critical reasons and experiences underpinning the ecclesial drift, estrangement and disaffiliation of so many baptised men and women who no longer come to Church. The video of the lecture can be found here.