ABSTRACT

Cathedrals have a particular place in the history of Britain and in contemporary British society. This chapter focuses on the 42 English cathedrals of the Church of England but even here the contribution of each cathedral to Church and society is unique. It argues that English cathedrals at the beginning of the twenty-first century are in good health and of ongoing significance to wider society, with a view to stimulating further religious sociological and theological reflection. Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches have their own cathedrals but, in the lives of the majority of English residents, it is the image of their Church of England diocesan cathedral that comes to mind with the headline 'Cathedrals and Church Growth'. A number of cathedrals employ education officers to develop this work and to broaden their provision for visitors to connect with the cathedral's spiritual heritage. Cathedrals and other city churches bring social capital to their host city and take their civic links seriously.