It’s one week to go to the third National Cathedrals Conference in Bristol where 380 delegates representing 49 cathedrals from England, Ireland and Wales, will come together under one roof to discuss new research that asks what are cathedrals for today?
Living Stones: Living Hope – the third National Cathedrals’ Conference takes place in Bristol – May 18-21
The research, Living Stones: English Cathedrals as Sacred Spaces in Changing Times examines the role of English Anglican cathedrals today as civic, cultural and spiritual assets, and what pressures they face, both financial and societal.
The report by religious thinktank, Theos, is a partnership project commissioned by the Association of English Cathedrals and the Church Commissioners for the third National Cathedrals’ Conference.
Drawing on a nationally representative YouGov poll, a separate survey of over 1,300 cathedral visitors, and fieldwork involving 146 interviewees across six representative cathedrals, the findings will be dissected and discussed by key speakers from the world of academia, heritage, culture and church including businessman and philanthropist, Sir Paul Ruddock, and historian, David Olusuga.
The four-day conference in Bristol Cathedral will also see daily workshops and panel discussions on each of the key topics raised by the research and the Very Revd Winnie Varghese (Dean of St John the Divine, New York) will be alongside the conference throughout the week to close it with her reflections.
The Very Revd Jo Kelly-Moore, who chairs the Association of English Cathedrals and is the National Cathedrals Conference lead, said:
“Cathedrals remain vital community anchors—integral to the diversity of life in the dioceses they serve and essential places of gathering.”
“While cathedrals sustain the rhythm of daily worship, at the heart of which is the English Choral Tradition, they also open their doors to pilgrims and visitors of all faiths and none: the spiritually curious, heritage seekers, those with questions, and those who need someone to walk alongside them through grief or celebration.”
“Cathedrals have something to offer everyone who crosses the threshold, providing a place where communities can meet, connect and belong.”
“Conserving these Grade I listed buildings, and keeping them open, safe, warm and welcoming brings constant financial pressure—one we must address together. A demonstration of the urgency is seen in the fact that nearly three quarters of cathedrals are experiencing operational deficits at this time.”
“With no government support—and the fact that the Church Commissioners do not have the ability to fund fabric work—the structural funding gap for repairs and maintenance of these national treasures is becoming an ever-greater burden.”
“Our National Cathedrals Conference is an opportunity to name and explore the extraordinary potential and presence of our cathedrals—and to confront the very real task of funding that ongoing service to the nation.”
There is a website dedicated to the conference here.
Download the full programme here.
