When Courage Calls // Facing the Canon with Dr Sarah C. Williams

This week, J.John is joined by Dr Sarah C. Williams, a historian with deep Christian roots as the granddaughter of evangelist Tom Rees and daughter of Jennifer Rees Larcombe.

Trained in history at Oxford University, Sarah brings a rich historical perspective to faith and society, with a particular focus on the life and legacy of Josephine Butler and her impact as a pioneering social reformer. In this conversation, she reflects on Butler’s courage and convictions, and what they can teach us today about faith in action, especially for women sensing a call to preach and lead.

Sarah also shares from her own life, including the loss of a child, and how that experience has shaped her understanding of grief, faith, and hope alongside her study of history and Christian witness.