The inclusivity of Anglican cathedrals and the coronation of King Charles III: embracing explicit religion, civic religion, and implicit religion

ABSTRACT

Judith Muskett’s analysis of metaphors employed to characterise Anglican cathedrals draws attention to the inclusivity of these locations within secular and religiously diverse societies. They are positioned as places where sacred space and common ground collide and coalesce. Drawing on Edward Bailey’s discussion of implicit religion and civic religion, alongside explicit religion, the present study reports on an analysis of the 43 websites of Anglican cathedrals in England and the Isle of Man to map how these cathedrals orchestrated their response to the coronation of King Charles III. The websites provided rich exemplification of engagement with explicit religion (incorporating coronation-related music and prayers within their routine liturgical provision), with civic religion (arranging special services involving civic dignitaries and uniformed groups), and with implicit religion (welcoming within the sacred space a wide range of community-focused events, installations, and activities).

KEYWORDS:

• Cathedral studies
• websites
• sacred space
• secular activities

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ursula McKenna

Ursula McKenna is Senior Research Fellow within the Edward Bailey Centre for the Study of Implicit Religion and World Religions and Education Research Unit at Bishop Grosseteste University, Lincoln, England. She received her EdD from the University of Warwick. Her research engages with both qualitative and quantitative methods, and she has published widely as part of a research group concerned with religion, psychology, and education. Recent articles include, ‘Anglican cathedrals and implicit religion: Softening the boundaries of sacred space’ (HTS Theological Studies, 2022) and ‘Through the eyes of retired clergy: The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the future for the Church’ (Rural Theology, 2023).

Leslie J. Francis

Leslie J. Francis is Professor of Religions, Psychology and Education and Co-Director of the World Religions and Education Research Unit at Bishop Grosseteste University, Lincoln, England and Professor Emeritus of Religions and Psychology at the University of Warwick, England. He received his PhD and ScD from the University of Cambridge, his DD from the University of Oxford, and his DLitt from the University of Wales. His recent books include Lessons in Spiritual Development (2017), Religion and Education: The Voices of Young People in Ireland (2019), Personality, Religion, and Leadership (2020), A New Lease of Life? Anglican Clergy Reflect on Retirement (2020), and The Science of congregation studies (2021).

Francis Stewart

Francis Stewart is Lecturer in Sociology (Social Theory) in the Department of Sociology, Social Policy, and Criminology at the University of Stirling, Scotland, and Director of the Edward Bailey Centre for the Study of Implicit Religion at Bishop Grosseteste University, Lincoln, England. She received her PhD from the University of Stirling in 2011 for her work on Implicit Religion and Straight Edge punk. She has published on Straight Edge punk, animal rights activism and punk, curation and marginalisation within punk, and punk in Northern Ireland. Her recent publications include: Punk pedagogies: Disruptions and connections (Intellect Books / University of Chicago, 2023); Beyond boundaries? Disability, DIY and punk pedagogies (Research in Education, 2023).