The Great Disputation
Between 1133 and 1855 the Bartholomew Fair opened with a public debate or ‘disputation’. Originally an academic disputation between theological scholars, this shifted over time to be more political and more of a debate in the style that we know. This tradition came to an end in 1855 when the Barts Fair was shut down because of its propensity for vice. In 2023, to mark our 900th anniversary, we revived the tradition and started holding an annual Disputation.
2024
September 12th, 7pm
This House believes that Christianity is intrinsically Socialist
In proposition of the motion:
The Rt Revd David Walker,
The Lord Bishop of Manchester
Chine McDonald,
Director, Theos think tank
The Revd Steve Chalke,
Baptist Minister & Founder, Oasis Trust
In opposition to the motion:
Winston Marshall,
Musician & political commentator
Ann Widdecombe,
Former Conservative MP & political commentator
Danny Kruger MP,
Conservative Member of Parliament
acting as speaker:
The Rt Revd & Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally,
The Lord Bishop of London
2023
This House believes the love of money is the root of the nation’s evils.
In proposition of the motion
Eddie Dempsey, RMT Union
Aaron Bastani, Novara Media
Canon Giles Fraser
in opposition to the motion
Alan Smith, 1st Church Estates Commissioner
Bim Afolami MP
Michael Gove MP
