THE words ‘It’s the economy, Stupid!’ were the Clinton campaign team's memo to themselves, and it’s the starting point for this year’s Lent Sermons and Lecture series at Salisbury Cathedral.

The lectures will provide an opportunity to explore the ethical, theological, spiritual, social and psychological issues associated to the present economic situation and the Church’s response.

Sunday Sermons at the 10.30am Eucharist during Lent will raise broad themes, which will then be discussed on the following Wednesday evening in a more informal context in Trinity Chapel.

Canon Treasurer Sarah Mullally said: “This series gives us an opportunity to consider how we take our Christian faith seriously in the present economic environment.

“For those who attend the Cathedral on a Sunday it gives the opportunity to explore an issue in more depth than can be done during a sermon, but each event will stand on its own.”

There will be various speakers, with the free events running from 7.30pm to 9pm.

SERMONS ON SUNDAYS

February 17 – The Dean of Salisbury, the Very Revd June Osborne

February 24 – Canon Treasurer, Revd Dame Sarah Mullally

March 3 – The Vicar of the Close, Revd Charles Innes-Mitchell

March 10 – Canon Precentor, Revd Tom Clammer

March 17 – The Dean of Salisbury

LECTURES ON WEDNESDAYS

February 20 - Revd Canon Antony MacRow – Wood Social Justice in times of Economic adversity.

February 27 – Revd Andrew Rowland Economic and Social Situation in the Middle East.

March 6 - Revd Martin Field Charity in a recession – the first thing to give?

March 13 – Revd David Price The economics of international development.

March 20 - The Bishop of Salisbury, the Right Reverend Nicholas Holtam, ‘It’s the Economy, Stupid!