The extraordinary truth: Rebecca Hardy talks to Emily Provance, who gave this year’s Swarthmore Lecture

‘We each carry an essential piece of what’s needed to build the Kingdom of God.’

by Rebecca Hardy 27th June 2025

How did you feel when you were asked to do the Swarthmore Lecture 2025, organised and funded by Woodbrooke? Were you surprised? Were you at all daunted by the task, or did you feel excited and energised by the invitation? 

I was definitely excited. Maybe a little surprised. The work itself was energising, but I was aware of a lot else happening in the world and other work that I couldn’t neglect, so I spent some time with my support committee working through whether it was the right time. Looking back, my impression is yes, it definitely was. The research I spent so much time doing expanded upon other ministry work rather than taking anything away from it.