Richard Harries interviewed Angela Tilby

Former bishop of Oxford The Right Rev Lord Richard Harries looks back at his ‘surprise’ calling to the Church and explains how 50 years later he retains his faith despite a highly secular and sceptical society.

Harries describes how he was serving as a soldier in Germany when he suddenly had an overwhelming sense that God was calling him to be ordained, even though he had virtually no religious background. He reflects on a life that saw him serve as bishop of Oxford between 1987 and 2006 and engage with many of the major issues of the last 50 years.

Harries has been a parish priest, a theological lecturer and dean of King’s College London. He was made a life peer on his retirement and is still active in the House of Lords. He is a regular contributor to Radio 4’s Thought for the Day. Here he talks to Rev Angela Tilby, a canon of Christ Church Oxford and a former senior BBC producer in the religious department.

This event is part of the festival’s programme on Christian tradition.