New national research into the contemporary role of English cathedrals has shown that, far from being simply the domain of the faithful or a tourist destination, Church of England cathedrals are becoming more and more attractive to surprising groups.

The report, by Theos and The Grubb Institute, called Spiritual Capital: The Present and Future of English Cathedrals, looks at why cathedrals have shown an increase in attendance over the last ten years, in contrast to many churches. The new data showed that 27% of England’s adult population, roughly 11 million people, report that they had visited an Anglican cathedral in the last year. It revealed that English adults who identify with a non-Christian religion are only slightly less likely than Anglicans to have visited a Church of England cathedral in the last twelve months (25% vs. 35% respectively).

Similarly, nearly a fifth of those who call themselves non-religious said they had visited a cathedral in the last year (18%). Even among those who might be more hostile, atheists and those who never attend religious services at all, around a sixth had visited a cathedral in the last 12 months (17% and 15% respectively).

Men were also more likely to say they have visited than women (31% vs. 24% respectively).

Alongside this new national research, administered by ComRes, the study included a second survey, which canvassed the opinion of 2,000 respondents in connection with one of six local case-study cathedrals. This data showed that in contrast to expectations, these visitors were not just there for the history or the architecture. 92% said that their cathedral was a place where people can get in touch with the spiritual or the sacred.  It seems this spiritual element of cathedrals take some people by surprise:  more than half of those who agreed with the statement “I come here to appreciate the history and architecture of the cathedral, not for any religious/sacred experience (30%),  also agreed that they “experienced God though the calm and quiet of the cathedral space” (56%).

Local people recognised that cathedrals have an important place at the heart of the city (78%) and as a hub (62%) to engage with the wider community.  The report concluded that cathedrals provide high levels of what is known as ‘bridging social capital’- the ability to connect people across different groups and encourage social cohesion.

Adrian Dorber, Dean of Lichfield Cathedral, said:

"English Cathedrals are good news for the Church of England but, more strongly, they are good news for the cities and regions they serve.
Whilst our age is one of great religious and philosophical diversity, it isn't irreligious or unspiritual. Cathedrals uniquely provide a space where people connect with what is deep inside them. This report shows that cathedrals need to keep providing the welcome and the opportunities for dialogue that can help people and communities flourish and grow."

Notes
1. ComRes interviewed 1,749 English adults online from 10th to 12th August 2012. Data were weighted to be demographically representative of all English adults aged18+. ComRes is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Tables are available here.

2. For data on increasing cathedral attendance see ‘Cathedral attendance statistics enjoy over a decade of growth’ http://www.churchofengland.org/media-centre/news/2012/03/cathedral-attendance-statistics-enjoy-over-a-decade-of-growth.aspx. Church of England, 3 April 2012.

3. The local surveys were carried out in Canterbury, Durham, Leicester, Lichfield, Manchester and Wells. The organisational case studies involved 257 in depth interviews with people from the cathedral, the diocese and community.

4. The research was carried out by Theos and The Grubb Institute on behalf of the Association of English Cathedrals and The Foundation for Church Leadership. You can download the pdf of the full report here, or request a hard copy from Theos.

5. Press enquiries should be directed to the Theos Press Office.

Image: Glen Bowman