On 6th December 1964, Dr Martin Luther King Jr preached to a packed St Paul’s Cathedral. On a flying visit on his way to Norway to collect his Nobel Peace Prize, he addressed a congregation of 4,000 people on The Three Dimensions of a Complete Life, providing the British public with a rare opportunity to hear him in person. Afterwards he gave a press conference in the Cathedral’s Chapter House about race relations in the UK.

As part of the programme to mark the 60th anniversary of this historic visit, Professor Anthony Reddie will preach at the 11.15am Service of Eucharist on 8th December 2024

Professor Anthony Reddie is Professor of Black Theology, University of Oxford, and Director of the Oxford Centre for Religion and Culture, Regent's Park College.

What can I expect?

Sung Eucharists on feast days usually include hymn singing, music from the choir, and a sermon. They last around 55 minutes and incense is used.

During the service, the congregation will be invited to share in the bread and wine. If you receive communion in your own church, you are welcome to receive communion here. If you do not normally receive communion, you are invited to come forward and receive a blessing.

You do not have to be a practicing member of the Church of England to attend the Eucharist. If you are unfamiliar with the service, you can pick up an easy-to-follow order of service at the beginning, which will guide you through each part. Visit our guidance on attending services at St Paul's for more information on what to expect.