Tippy McMichael Speaker Series Welcomes the Rev. Dr. Lora Walsh

Saturday and Sunday • August 22 and 23

St. Paul's is pleased to welcome the Rev. Dr. Lora Walsh as the featured speaker for the next Tippy McMichael Speaker Series event. An Associate Professor of English at the University of Arkansas and Priest Associate at St. Paul's, Lora will present two lectures inspired by her new book, Lady Church in the Christian Imagination, published by Cambridge University Press in 2026.

The first lecture, "The Leading Lady of Salvation," will take place on Saturday, August 22, at 7:00 p.m., with a reception beginning at 6:00 p.m. Drawing on Christian writings from the early Church through the Reformation, Lora will explore the rich tradition of imagining the Church as Christ's "leading lady" and why this powerful image has largely faded from contemporary Christian thought.

The second lecture, "The Promiscuous Church," will be offered during the Adult Formation Hour at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 23. Examining several surprising examples from premodern Christian writers, Lora will consider how the image of a sexually promiscuous woman became a provocative way of expressing the boundless grace of God and the Church's mission to embrace all people.

Whether you're interested in theology, history, literature, or simply enjoy thoughtful conversation, these lectures promise to offer fresh insights into Christian imagination and tradition. Attend one session or both—we hope you'll join us for this special weekend of learning and reflection.