Professor Jolyon Mitchell focused on the biblical and practical theme of 'swords into ploughshares' for his inaugural lecture in taking up a new personal chair at the University of Edinburgh on 15 September 2011.

A a simple integrity can rebuke our culture's debased and profligate way with words, say Jill Segger. Restraint in communication is counter-cultural. Humanity is wisest when it recognises the best words as those taking flesh rather than fury.