The Role of Cathedrals

The Role of Cathedrals - Presentation Transcript

“ The people of post-Reformation England found that they had got cathedrals: they didn’t quite know why, but they made the best of them – they made them into vibrant, characterful contributors to Christian life and worship”

(Haigh in Platten & Lewis)

Role of Cathedrals

Discuss: is the emphasis on mission correct?

Discuss: does it make a difference what type of cathedral?

Discuss: does it happen in practice?

How can technology help the cathedral’s mission imperative?

The Role of Cathedrals Howe Report (Heritage & Renewal) aim: To stimulate further debate and to encourage those responsible for cathedrals to explore new and imaginative ways of living out their contemporary role

Beeson, The Deans

Flagships of the Spirit

Shop windows of the Church of England

Supermarkets of religion

Dean = ‘missionary leader – looking ahead’

Platten & Lewis, Dreaming Spires

Mask of Prayer

Mask of Blessing

Mask of Inclusion

‘distinctive character of a cathedral church lies in its connection to the mission and ministry of the Bishop’

Cathedrals are absolutely key to mission on many levels

This may not be what happens in practice

There is still a perception of ‘parishness’ – present/absent

Mission / ministry online

opportunities are not

always exploited

“ Cathedral”?

“[…] cathedrals, and the communities of faith which are at their heart should be […] exemplary in worship, exemplary in welcome and exemplary in care”

Role?

“To provide a focus for the life of the diocese based on good liturgy, strong community and outreach, and to provide a sense of stability.” worship and mission prayer and mission

key words

Outreach?

Outreach = Mission

Outreach = Mission?

(Dreaming Spires)

“ No cathedral can escape its sense of connection with the wider diocese. The very rationale of a cathedral expands its own sense of mission and connectedness with communities at some distance from it. A cathedral is called to be the mother church of other churches. It is beckoned by its very character to look outwards and become immersed in the wider world beyond its doors, just as any bishop should. This is what makes a cathedral what it is, whatever its size.”

Mission = Outreach Mission = Prayer Mission = Inclusion

(Durham Cathedral worshipper)

“ It's not what it should do for me, but what it should be doing for the community (ie the diocese) in terms of outreach, community action etc”

“[main role is…] the mother church of the diocese, fulfilling a ‘flagship’ role for other churches and to take a greater civic role than parishes are able to.”

(Dreaming Spires)

“There is a long tradition in cathedral, not only of a community gathered around the building, but also of the cathedral as ‘minster’, the place from which people go out to do the work of the Church and to which they return.”

(Dreaming Spires)

“Cathedrals now actively serve the local community, doing work almost as a ‘chaplaincy’ to the city, county and region in which they are placed, and providing a key focus at times of national and local celebration or mourning.”

“ I think it'd be good if community was taken somewhat more seriously. I don't think one need be afraid of creating a cathedral-shaped parish church! A website that is more than a tourist portal would be good too... Far more than that, I think mission and outreach should be far more at the heart of what the cathedral does. It seems all too often to rely on people to come to it, which is fine to an extent but means that opportunities to take a lead in such things and utilise the space and skills of the clergy/congregation are missed. Chapter could do with some bolder decision-making!”