Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Row over ‘VIP’ retreats at Cathedral
The Archbishop of Canterbury has become embroiled in a cashfor-access row after the church offered a £950 per person Easter retreat.
Guests were able to stump up the sum to stay at Canterbury Cathedral with potential “opportunities to interact” with Justin Welby, according to a promotional brochure. The ‘Holy Week Retreat' in the run-up to Easter Sunday was also touted as an opportunity to “experience the inner workings of the cathedral”. But some hit out at the Church of England arguing the archbishop’s VIP access was a distasteful way to make money during one of the most significant events in the Christian calendar.
The row broke out after a member of the Archbishops' Council publicly branded the move “ridiculous” and “really crass”.
However a cathedral spokesman told the Gazette there is no suggestion of “privileged paidfor access”, with guests having the opportunity to meet staff. Speaking on February 25, Rev Dr Ian Paul, also a member of the General Synod national
assembly, said: “We are focusing on Jesus's death and resurrection and the idea you can fork out £1,000 to have a personal audience with the archbishop is ridiculous.
'I think it is really crass.” He told Mailonline: “The idea that this piece of Christian heritage and the leader of the Anglican Communion are accessible by the financial elite of the country is truly shocking.
“I can see there's a case for creative
ways of fundraising. But those have surely got to be within the parameters of basic Christian discipleship.” The promotional pamphlet refers to the retreat as an “intimate gathering” in the run-up to Easter, including Good Friday. Advertising the event from March 27 – 31, the material says: “Immerse yourself in the experience of Holy Week, through the darkness of Good Friday to the joy of Easter
morning, with this intimate gathering at Canterbury Cathedral.”
A spokesperson for Canterbury Cathedral said the retreat is a programme of Bible studies and reflective talks “led by our clergy, as well as special behind-the-scenes access to meet our staff”.
They said stonemasons, stained glass conservators, and virgers will be on hand, adding: “There is no suggestion of privileged paid-for
access to the Archbishop of Canterbury or to any member of cathedral clergy.” “There is never a charge for any service of worship or act of prayer. All of our Holy Week and Easter services are free to attend, and everyone is welcome,” added the spokesperson.
It comes after the cathedral hosted a controversial silent disco dubbed ‘Rave in the Nave’ in February.
Critics objected to the secular music and presence of alcohol at the event, but the Dean of Canterbury, The Very Reverend Dr David Monteith, insisted the party would be “appropriate and respectful”. “Cathedrals have always been part of community life in a way much wider than their prime focus as centres of Christian worship and mission,” he said.
“Whilst dancing of all different kinds has happened in the Cathedral over the centuries and The Bible memorably celebrates the gift of dancing with King David dancing before the Lord (2 Samuel 6) - there are many different views on the secular and the sacred.” Last week, a Cathedral spokesman confirmed that the four discos, held over two consecutive nights, made between £10,000 and £12,000 after costs, but didn’t confirm if similar events would be held again. They said: “The figures are yet to be confirmed but we estimate that the silent disco will generate much-needed income to the Cathedral of between £10,000-£12,000 after costs.
“A decision hasn’t yet been made as to whether or not we’ll offer a similar event in the future.”