Bishop Mariann Budde and Poet-Theologian Pádraig Ó Tuama brought themes of sanctuary and courage to 2025 Hobart Lecture
Moderated by The Rev. Allen K. Shin, Bishop Suffragan
In-person at Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue and livestreamed
The Episcopal Diocese of New York, in partnership with Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue, hosted the 2025 Hobart Lecture featuring The Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop of Washington, and poet-theologian Pádraig Ó Tuama, moderated by The Rt. Rev. Allen K. Shin, Bishop Suffragan of New York.
Bishop Mariann Budde addresses the audience of the 2025 Hobart Lecture at Saint Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue in New York City.
The conversation drew a packed audience in person at Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue and many more via livestream, engaging themes of sanctuary, courage, borders, and belonging in faith, culture, and public life.
“There are countless examples in our sacred tradition of individuals whose quiet courage help us see the wideness of God’s mercy and expand the borders of belonging. What a gift it was to spend an evening reflecting on the story of Ruth, an immigrant woman who knew where she belonged because of her love,” said Bishop Budde.
Pádraig Ó Tuama reflected, “In the face of a community that was tearing itself apart, Ruth understood that the glory days of the past have been colonized by the purveyors of fear in the present. She shows that the past was much more sophisticated, diverse, changing, demanding, and upsetting than the convenient past that’s being romanticized today. And she knows that looking in this way towards the past can give courage and change, and imagination for now.”
Bishop Allen Shin, who moderated the conversation, added, the Hobart Lecture invites our communities to engage deeply with the most urgent questions of our time. In an era marked by division, this year’s focus on sanctuary, empathy, and courage calls us back to reconciliation, belonging, and a culture of generosity rooted in Christ.”
The Hobart Lecture, held annually, invites communities to engage deeply with pressing questions of our time through faith, theology, and dialogue.
About the Episcopal Diocese of New York
The Episcopal Diocese of New York includes more than 190 worshipping communities—congregations, chaplaincies, and schools—across ten counties from Staten Island to Tivoli. We serve diverse communities through worship, education, and outreach, renewing the church for the healing of the world. Learn more at dioceseny.org.
About Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue
Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue is an Episcopal parish known for its liturgy, music, and community engagement. Its mission is to worship, love, and serve our Lord Jesus Christ through the Anglican tradition and its unique choral heritage. Learn more at saintthomaschurch.org.
Media Contact:
Elaine Delgado
Director of Advancement & Community Connections
Episcopal Diocese of New York
(332) 259-9729
edelgado@dioceseny.org