Anglican cathedrals as episcopal theological resource churches for nurturing growth and sustainability

ABSTRACT

This paper examines the case for conceptualising Anglican cathedrals as episcopal theological resource churches for nurturing growth and sustainability. The case is rooted in two sources of empirical evidence: statistical evidence published by the Church of England for the period 2009–2019 show cathedrals to be growing while the rest of the Church is declining; and a series of studies listening to those attending Sunday services and special events explores the motivation and experience of those attending cathedrals. The case is then advanced by exploring three questions that illuminate the distinctive religious and ecclesial identity of Anglican cathedrals within the contemporary spiritual landscape of England that is increasingly characterised by secularity: Why bother with Anglican identity? Why bother with theology? Why bother with bishops? Discussion of these three issues leads to a reasoned response to the fourth question: Why bother with cathedrals?

KEYWORDS:

• cathedral studies
• theology
• Anglican identity
• bishops

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No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

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 also serves as Canon Theologian at Liverpool Cathedral, England, and as Honorary Distinguished Canon at Manchester Cathedral, England. Previously he has served as Canon Theologian at Bangor Cathedral, Wales, and as Canon Theologian at the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, Newfoundland.