Millions of pounds given to England’s flourishing Christian cathedrals
by Ruth Gledhill, Christian Today:
Canterbury is among more than 30 cathedrals to receive grants from a fund marking the centenary of the First World War.
The government has awarded 39 grants totalling £14.5 million for cathedral repairs in the second phase of grants by the First World War Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund.
The grants come as cathedrals continue to show strong evidence of growing congregations. According to the latest figures, in 2014 the average number of adults and children attending cathedral services each week was 36,600, an increase of 23 per cent since 2004.
Church of England cathedrals contribute around £220 million annually to the national economy through employment and tourism. They welcome more than 11 million visitors annually, employ more than 7,000 people and are supported by 15,000 volunteers.
Dame Fiona Reynolds, chair of the Cathedrals Fabric Commission, said: “Cathedrals are the beating hearts of their communities, offering sanctuary, beauty, collective history, and social and economic support to people of every generation.
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