Chancellor’s Autumn Lectures 2026 | Smashing Images - The Case Against Artwork in the Church

A lecture by the Rev'd Dr Ayla Lepine examining Christian iconoclasm and the arguments surrounding sacred images, part of the Chancellor's Autumn Lectures.

This talk explores how controversies over Christian art — destroying, defacing and even hating it — reveal why art matters to faith. The Rev'd Dr Ayla Lepine, Associate Rector of St James's Piccadilly and an art historian, leads a historical and theological examination of iconoclasm. The evening begins with optional arrival drinks at 6.30pm, followed by the lecture at 7pm, questions and discussion at 7.45pm, and a finish at 8.30pm. It forms part of the Chancellor's annual Autumn Lectures series, which this year explores the interplay between art and faith.