Annual Theological Lecture
Since 1957, the Church of Ireland has organised annual lectures at Queen’s to stimulate and contribute to the discussion of public theology on campus.
Guest lecturers, typically eminent thinkers in their field, have ranged from theologians to scientists, authors to Archbishops.
The Church’s Board of Education remain grateful to Queen’s University for their contribution in hosting the lectures each year.
2025 Annual Theological Lecture
Autonomy, Suffering and Human Dignity: Theological and Medical Responses to Assisted Dying
How can Christians engage in the debate on Assisted Dying? How should we respond to questions of suffering, dignity, autonomy and the end of life?
In this public lecture, Professor John Wyatt - a respected Christian voice in medical ethics - draws on his clinical experience, medical expertise, and theological insight to explore these profound issues. He will examine the meaning of human life, the role of autonomy, the ethical and spiritual dimensions of suffering, and the complex moral challenges faced by patients, families, and healthcare professionals in end-of-life decisions.
The lecture will be followed by an interactive Q&A session, inviting academics, students, clinicians, church leaders, and members of the public to engage with these urgent ethical and theological questions.
For more info and to book your place visit here
John Wyatt is Emeritus Professor of Neonatal Paediatrics, Ethics & Perinatology at University College London. He was Co-Principal Investigator for a research project based at The Faraday Institute investigating the implications for human self-understanding of recent advances in artificial intelligence and robotic technology.
Having spent his working life both caring for babies and researching the mechanisms, treatment and prevention of brain damage in newborn infants, in his retirement he is focussing on the ethical, philosophical and theological issues raised by rapidly advancing technology.
Previous Lectures
2024 - Artificial Intelligence - Friend or Foe by Professor Stephen Williams
2023 - The Church and Public Education by Professor Trevor Cooling
2022: ‘Theology: Why it matters to the academy and the churches’ - Professor Alister McGrath
2020: ‘Talking Climate: Why Facts Are Not Enough’ by Professor Katharine Heyhoe