Why Are English Cathedrals So Successful? Government Minister Begins Grand Tour To Find Out

Oct 28, 2016 by Jill

by Ruth Gledhill, Christian Today:

Government minister Lord Bourne has announced today a “grand tour” of all 42 cathedrals in England over the course of a year.

Cathedrals are one of the success stories of the Church of England. Figures today showed church attendance once more in relentless decline, but the Church disclosed last month that cathedrals are the exception to this trend.

On average 36,700 adults and children attended cathedral services each week last year, an increase of 18 per cent from 31,200 in 2005. Almost all of the increase is due to increased midweek attendance but even Sunday worship has resisted decline and remained stable.

Lord Bourne’s visits are intended to bring more attention to the contribution cathedrals make to the community and to celebrate their architectural and religious heritage.

His tour began yesterday at Bradford Cathedral where he discussed with Dean of Bradford Jerry Lepine how cathedrals offer places for social support and interfaith work.

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