Net Zero.. racial justice.. mental health.. What exactly are cathedrals for?

May 20, 2022 by

by Archbishop Cranmer:

Cathedrals can light the way to Net Zero, says the Rt Rev’d Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich and the Church of England’s lead Bishop for Environmental Affairs. And he set out his vision to achieve this by 2030, with solar panels on Grade I listed buildings, double-glazing on the stained glass, and air source heat pumps winding their pipes around ancient tombs and monuments. “You have a crucial part to play in caring for the web of creation and seeking justice for the world’s economically poorest people already adversely impacted by climate change,” he said.

Cathedrals can point the way to racial justice, says the Very Rev’d Rogers Govender, Dean of Manchester and Chair of the Committee for Minority Ethnic Anglican Concerns. And he set out his vision for radical inclusion and the eradication of all social injustices; for the cleansing of colonial artifacts and the purging of structural whiteness and feelings of superiority: “I have a vision for the Church of England and its cathedrals: to see our leadership and communal life to be so reflective and diverse that it inspires the nation to greater things for God,” he said.

Cathedrals can guide the way to good mental health and well-being, says the Very Rev’d Jo Kelly-Moore, Dean of St Albans. And she set out her vision to steer people through uncertainty and challenge, and how to handle the pressures of life. “The impact of that on mental wellbeing is real. It is vital what we take our part in building communities of care, of listening and of acceptance in which we are all on the lookout for each other’s wellbeing, in which people feel able to tell someone when they are struggling and where there is great support like that offered by ‘It’s OK to Say’,” she said.

And you’ll find many other particular missions in many other cathedrals: if it isn’t agitating for a cultural battle, it is bathing people in warm buttermilk and wrapping them in cotton wool, just as Jesus would want.

Did somebody mention Jesus?

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