A LEADING Government minister paid a visit to Worcester Cathedral as part of his nationwide tour of the countries landmark churches.
Minister for Faith and Integration Lord Bourne stopped by the city landmark on Friday, July 21 as part of a country-wide tour of all 42 cathedrals in England.
In October last year Lord Bourne began his tour of all 42 of England’s Anglican cathedrals to highlight their important role at the heart of communities, and their efforts to strengthen relationships between people of different backgrounds and beliefs.
His visit to Worcester and Oxford was his 29th and 30th stops respectively.
“My visit to Worcester Cathedral today underlined the important role of the cathedral in local interfaith work, in particular its work with the Worcestershire Interfaith Forum and the diocese’s interfaith ministry,” he said.
“Once again, as with most of the cathedrals I have visited on my tour, I have come away certain that these cathedrals will continue to develop their roles at the heart of their respective communities long into the future.
At Worcester Cathedral, Lord Bourne toured the Cathedral with Dean the Very Rev Dr Peter Atkinson.
The minister was able to see how the cathedral had benefitted from a grant of £877,000 from the Government’s First World War Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund which funded repairs to the library ceiling, conservation of the great east and west stained glass windows, roof repairs and damp remediation.
The Minister and the Dean then discussed the cathedral’s efforts to support local interfaith work in connection with the diocese’s interfaith forum headed by Dr John Chesworth.
“Over the coming year, I will be championing the tremendous efforts of cathedrals across the country to remain firmly at the heart of local life.
Issues
“My tour of every Anglican cathedral the country over has given me the chance to meet with leaders and people from a diverse range of backgrounds.
“I’ve discussed issues that matter greatly to these communities, including how we can all work together to provide greater opportunities for people to live together and get on in life.”
“Our cathedrals and churches are crucial to the present and future of local communities.
“The Government is committed to helping them open up to further community, cultural and heritage use, and safeguard their position at the heart of our towns and cities,” he added.
