Study Week participants think about freedom

'Freedom' is widely regarded as a central human aspiration, but how are we to understand what freedom is from a Christian perspective, and what are the implications of that for our life and witness? 

Our 2026 Study Week, 'Thinking about Freedom' provided an opportunity for 32 guests to have a taste of life as a Wycliffe student, engaging with this topic through the varied academic disciplines and perspectives of our teaching staff.

A rigorous learning opportunity

“We considered the topic of freedom from the perspectives of the Bible, history, philosophy and theology, to see how important this theme is in the Christian faith,” says Vice-Principal Justyn Terry. “It was a great week, and gave people a real taste of life in the Wycliffe community.” 

The lectures were varied and excellent; from time thinking about the issue of free will in Christian theology, through to the Bishop of Winchester sharing his work in Parliament lobbying for Freedom of Religion or Belief. On another day, we looked at the Christian view of personal freedom, with Andrew Atherstone taking us through the Abolition of Slavery as a theological crisis. We even considered the arts, as Jude Caisley explained how the concept of freedom applies to her work as an artist.

The participants took part in the chapel service at Wycliffe Hall every morning, and gathered into fellowship groups to discuss and reflect on what they were learning.

Plus some summer fun

In the afternoons, we showed our guests, many of whom had come from overseas, why Oxford is such a great place to be in the summer – with trips out, punting, Pimms, and croquet on the South Lawn.

“I just thought it was going to be a theological opportunity for growth,” said one participant. “I was surprised how much more I got out of it than that. The relationships, the history, the architecture, the croquet, the music, art, it was so broad I was very impressed.”

“I especially enjoyed meeting with fellowship groups,” said another. “It was great to come together and meet people that I otherwise would've been unlikely to meet. I also enjoyed the variety in lectures - biblical studies, theology, philosophy etc. It seemed like there was something for everyone.”

Justyn agrees they were a great group who made the most of an engaging week.

“Everyone seemed to take up the opportunity to discuss what they had been learning, and to be inspired by what God was doing in people's lives,” he says. “There was also lots of discussion about guests coming back as a student, or recommending the Hall to others.”

We hope we will see some of the Study Week students again in the future.