The Court Sermon and Glove Ceremony at Christ Church Cathedral

Tonight at Christ Church Cathedral we gathered to mark the inauguration of Oxfordshire’s legal year — the Court Sermon and Glove Ceremony, a tradition that binds together city, university, church and the realm of justice in a single act of worship, symbolism and renewal. In the hush and candlelight of the nave, with the procession of dignitaries and the weight of centuries behind us, we were reminded that public life is never merely functional — it is also moral, spiritual, and deeply human.

The evening began with the magnificent procession of civic, judicial, academic and ecclesiastical representatives — gowns, robes and chains of office glinting in the light, each step a reminder of the shared responsibility we bear for justice and community. To see the civil, the judicial and the clerical walk together in purpose was profoundly moving.

I read the Old Testament lesson, Isaiah 58:6–10, and Anne read the New Testament, James 2:14–25. The words of Isaiah call us to loosen the bonds of injustice, to share bread with the hungry, and to bring the oppressed into freedom. James reminds us that faith without works is dead — that belief must find its expression in compassionate action. Together, they spoke powerfully to the heart of the ceremony: that law and faith alike are only meaningful when they lead us towards mercy, service and fairness.

The Glove Ceremony in Oxford is unique. This evening, Councillor Louise Upton, Lord Mayor of Oxford, presented white gloves to Mr Justice Bennathan, while Professor Heidi Johansen-Berg, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University, presented gloves to the sermoniser. These gestures, handed down through centuries, are not mere formalities. They represent the City and University extending trust and welcome to those charged with upholding justice and truth.

I was delighted, too, to welcome my fellow High Sheriffs: Pippa Kirkbride, High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire; Sean Taylor DL, High Sheriff of Berkshire; and Jeremy Sharman, High Sheriff of Northamptonshire. Their presence reminded me that, while each of us serves our own county, we are joined in a shared vocation — to uphold the law, to strengthen our communities, and to promote understanding between people.

The hymns — He Who Would Valiant Be and Cwm Rhondda — rang out gloriously. The choristers of Christ Church sang with breathtaking clarity, their young voices soaring through the arches, carrying a sense of continuity that words alone could never convey.

Professor Jeremias Adams-Prassl’s sermon on humanity, justice, law and artificial intelligence was a highlight of the evening — a reminder that the questions of conscience are never confined to the past. He spoke of the need for the law to keep pace with technology while remaining rooted in compassion, and of the dangers of allowing algorithms to erode human judgment and dignity. It was a thoughtful, provocative and deeply humane reflection — one that will stay with many of us for a long time.

The prayers were read by our High Sheriff’s Cadets — Isabella, Emily and Sofia — each reflecting on my theme for the year, Hearing the Young Unheard, supported with great warmth by Chrissie Chevasutt from St Columba’s United Reformed Church. Their sincerity and poise were inspiring, and a visible reminder that the future of public service is in good hands.

At the reception afterwards, I was delighted to present Jacob with his High Sheriff’s Cadet Certificate of Commission. It was a joy to welcome him formally to the team and to see his pride — and that of his grandfather — in joining a group of such capable and committed young people.

Throughout the evening, Mr Justice Bennathan’s good humour and grace shone through, balancing the dignity of the ritual with an easy warmth that made everyone feel included. It was a timely reminder that authority, at its best, is exercised with humanity.

As we processed out beneath the vaulted ceiling and into the autumn night, I felt the quiet weight of continuity. This is more than ceremony. It is a living chain of time — a trust handed down, renewed in every generation. I left feeling humbled, inspired, and resolved that in my time as High Sheriff, justice and compassion will continue to walk hand in hand.

My heartfelt thanks go to the Dean and Sub-Dean of Christ Church, to Professor Adams-Prassl, Councillor Upton, Professor Johansen-Berg, Chrissie Chevasutt, our choristers, our cadets, and all who made the evening so memorable. It was a privilege to stand, quite literally, within history — and to see it still alive with purpose and hope.