THE Dean of Blackburn Cathedral today revealed he wants the place of worship to become "the people's cathedral" over the next few years.
The Very Rev Christopher Armstrong plans to visit all 14 deaneries in the next few years to get in better touch with the people it serves.
First up was Tunstall, north of Lancaster, which has 10 rural parishes. It was visited yesterday for a carol concert by its young people's choir, readings and a reception in Warton Church.
The second event will be at the Blackpool Deanery on May 11. The dean said: "I am keen to put over the idea that the cathedral is the people's cathedral, a place where the people of God assemble, identify themselves and are spiritually fed.
"I am conscious that the cathedral is often seen as being exclusive -- the cathedral took the side of the bosses during the Great Depression. The cathedral cannot be the cathedral in isolation.
"Not only must it serve the bishop, it must also serve the diocese, the Christian community and also the region, and be seen as accessible to anybody."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article