12th Annual Costan Lecture in Early Christianity and Honorary Degree Ceremony
Rowan Williams on "Vision, Knowledge, Desire: The Intersection of Philosophy and Spirituality in Early Christian Writing"
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. EDT
RSVP Required
Location:
Healy Hall Gaston Hall Map
The Rt. Rev. Rowan Williams, former archbishop of Canterbury, will deliver the 2026 James M. and Margaret H. Costan Lecture in Early Christianity and be awarded an honorary degree in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to our understanding of Christian faith and to interreligious dialogue in the global church. Dr. Williams’ talk, “Vision, Knowledge, Desire: the Intersection of Philosophy and Spirituality in Early Christian Writing” will speak to early Christian reflection on prayer and contemplation’s connection to classical philosophical discussion, especially to Platonic and Stoic ethics and practical counsel. In this lecture, Dr. Williams will trace some of these significant connections, but will also ask what changed as the classical ideals were absorbed into a different way of imagining the divine, wherein modes of desire and aspirations to communion took on increasing prominence.
A reception will follow the lecture and honorary degree ceremony.
This event is hosted by the Department of Theology and Religious Studies and Office of the President and co-sponsored by the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs and Office of Mission & Ministry.
