The Dean of Lichfield is chairing a research group, sponsored by the Association of English Cathedrals and the Foundation for Church Leadership, into the contribution of English Cathedrals to society. The report will be presented to national and local government, to the General Synod of the Church of England and to the wider church, next September.  The research is being conducted by the Grubb Institute and Theos, the Theological Think Tank whose specialism is the interaction of religion with society. 

To follow the link and find out more please click on read more.

The aim of the project is to chart the impact cathedrals have in their localities and regions, to analyse the vast range of activities they sustain and sponsor, to gauge what lies behind their popularity as tourism destinations and the importance of their roles as icons and pilgrimage centres.

Many Cathedrals sponsor imaginative educational, musical and inter-cultural outreach programmes and are served by thousands of volunteers.  They also offer the wider church a platform for dialogue with society, a high media profile (for better and for worse) and a shop window into the life of faith for many who are curious to know more about spirituality and religion.

The project is an opportunity to draw some conclusions and to help decision-makers understand what Cathedrals are doing, what they can offer, and how they are perceived and valued by the public.  Lichfield is one of the six Cathedrals chosen to be a case study and all our supporters, whether worshippers, volunteers, visitors or pilgrims are invited to record their views through an online survey.

If you have signed up to receive cathedral information via email you will be receiving details but if you would like to take part in the survey by going to the following link:

http://www.snapsurveys.com/swh/surveylogin.asp?k=132195548919

The survey is short (it should only take you ten minutes). It is simple (most questions are of the 'tick the box' variety) and it is anonymous (you will not be asked to identify who you are). But it will be very helpful, in helping us understand what people think of the cathedral and its activities, and in particular how it is serving God and serving the local community. Please do take a few minutes to fill it in.  Thank you.