Beyond Prayer: Why These UK Cathedrals Matter Now More Than Ever
LONDON — What is the role of a cathedral? Is it just to hold religious services and be a place for prayer and liturgy? Or is it more than that?
Answering such questions has become critical to the work of cathedrals in the U.K., facing the huge expense of keeping centuries-old buildings in condition capable of meeting the demands of their ever-changing communities.
It seems that cathedrals are now increasingly seen as multi-dimensional organizations: Community hubs, centers of civic life, cultural venues and as a center of spiritual life. Their role has become far wider than any church building.
This was the conclusion reached by a new report, “Living Stones: English Cathedrals as Sacred Spaces in Changing Times,” commissioned by the Association of English Cathedrals and Church Commissioners with the research group Theos. Visitor numbers are higher than many might expect. In 2025, approximately 10 million people entered English cathedrals, far in excess of the numbers visiting sporting events like Wembley Stadium.
Launched at the National Cathedrals Conference in late May, the report has provoked a lot of discussion. One of the attendees at the conference was the Rev. Canon Nitano Muller of Coventry Cathedral.
“It was really interesting looking at the resurgence of interest in cathedrals, not just for religion,” he said. “Cathedrals like ours are part of the city, part of the identity of the city. There is an emotional connection to the stone and glass of the building, immense interest in our story and recognition of the sacrifices that were made.”
The report pointed out that the spiritual value of cathedrals continues to be extremely important.
“British religiosity is not a straightforward narrative of decline: it is changing and remixing into new forms,” the report added. “Many younger seekers show an interest in spirituality on their own terms, outside traditional parish structures — precisely the kind of milieu where cathedrals with their openness and anonymity have the advantage. In an age where institutional trust is low, but hunger for meaning endures, this quality has only grown in importance.”
Cathedrals are quite simply a place anyone can visit, whatever their faith or none. It is a non-sectarian focal point of the community. The wellness, calm and peace provided by cathedrals are welcomed by all visitors, with teachers commenting that educational visits provide the calm that many kids no longer experience in everyday life due to the prevalence of mobile phones and social media.
It is this focus on communal and personal well-being that is becoming increasingly dominant in the work of English cathedrals. The Dean of Southwark, the Very Rev. Dr Mark Oakley, said, “Cathedrals are convening centers in a city, drawing together diverse groups for a variety of events, social occasions and learning projects.”
Nitano Muller agreed
“Cathedrals have always been a place of contact, a place of gathering. What has changed is the type of need. There has been an increase in the demand for places of calm, where there is someone to talk to or enjoy the peace and quiet. This is an open space for everyone,” he said.
Cathedral clergy are increasingly responding to these needs. The staff at Coventry Cathedral regards this as highly important, ensuring that the building is not seen as intimidating but welcoming, where everyone can feel at home.
“We encourage the community to use our buildings,” said Nitano Muller, an Anglican priest and the Canon for Worship and Welcome at Coventry Cathedral. “There are weekly events such as baby playtime in the main nave, laptop sessions in the nave where people can make job and housing applications and seek help. The migrant center comes to us and holds sessions in the cathedral, giving English lessons and orientation sessions. We do community markets in the ruins, hold exhibitions, concerts and events. Our clergy are always present.”
It is a role ideal for cathedrals, which have always had a wider regional or international focus than a parish church. Finding the funds to sustain these roles and to maintain historic buildings is a key problem.
Cathedrals are still seeking ways of navigating the tensions between its work and the need to commercially generate funds by holding events and concerts. As Nitano pointed out, “Many people think it is a [government-owned] space! It is a juggling act between raising funds, exploring the use of the space, offering events and the religious commitment. Above all, there always has to be clergy present to welcome people and be there if people need us.”
Angela Youngman is a freelance journalist who has written for a wide range of British and international publications.