Salisbury Cathedral Declares War on Fake News With Bold Lent Truth Series

Salisbury Cathedral Launches Lent Lecture Series on Truth, AI and Media Disinformation

Salisbury Cathedral, home to England's tallest spire, has announced a groundbreaking Lent lecture series titled "Chasing Truth: Fact, Fiction and the Media" running from February 23 to March 23, 2026.

The series comes as concerns mount over rising disinformation, the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence, and sweeping cuts across news organisations in the UK and internationally.

The opening lecture on February 23 will be delivered by Anna McNamee, an award winning Canadian journalist and executive director of the Sandford St Martin Trust, which promotes excellence in religious broadcasting.

On March 2, Canon Dr Tim Bull of St Albans Cathedral, who has a background in software engineering, will tackle the topic "Faith and Artificial Intelligence: How worried should we be?"

The following week, young people from the cathedral will join Rev Ross Meikle, missioner for young people, for a session titled "Truth for the Young," exploring the values and challenges facing the next generation.

On March 16, Rev Canon Professor James Woodward, principal of Sarum College and a practical theologian, will examine "Truth in older age."

The series concludes on March 23 with Rev Canon Dr Kenneth Padley, the cathedral's canon chancellor, presenting "Greenhushing: Is sustainability being silenced?"

It's good to see a prominent cathedral taking a lead on these vital issues.

Rev Peter Crumpler said, emphasising the Church's role in addressing truth erosion and the risks posed by AI.

The Wiltshire cathedral, one of England's most iconic and picturesque, is also hosting the Peter Marlow photography exhibition "The English Cathedral" from February 27 to March 31, inviting visitors to experience the building captured in natural dawn light.

Salisbury Cathedral Addresses Fake News and AI During Lent 2026 Lecture Programme

The Lent Lectures will explore Christian perspectives on truth in an age where fake news, internet algorithms and rapid technological development are radically redefining how people understand the world around them.

The Crusader's Opinion

This is exactly the kind of leadership we need from our great cathedrals. While the world drowns in a flood of lies, deepfakes, and algorithmic manipulation, the Church of England is finally stepping up to address it head on. Truth is not relative. Truth is a Person. Jesus Christ said "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life." Every algorithm, every AI chatbot, every media spin machine that tries to redefine truth is waging war against that eternal declaration. Salisbury Cathedral standing firm on this is a light in the darkness. Let every church in the West follow suit.

Take Action

• Attend the Salisbury Cathedral Lent Lectures in person or check their website at salisburycathedral.org.uk for event details and livestream options.
• Organise a Lent study group at your local church focused on truth, discernment, and media literacy in the digital age.
• Support the Sandford St Martin Trust, which promotes excellence in faith based broadcasting, at sandfordawards.org.uk.
• Share this article with your church community to raise awareness about the importance of truth in a post truth world.
• Support Christian journalism and media through donations to organisations fighting for truth. Visit www.TheShepherdsShield.org to support the faith.