The liturgical development of the cathedrals of the church of Englad 1980 to present day

Abstract

The contention of this thesis is that the development of liturgy in the Cathedrals of the Church of England over the last 25 years gives a unique insight and illustration of the way in which worship has developed within Anglicanism in this country. At its beginning, the theological context of this study is set: specific examination of cathedral identity and mission leads to a number of questions about the nature and purpose of cathedrals: particular reference is made to recent reports concerning the future of cathedral ministry. There follows a detailed exploration of liturgical development throughout the Church of England, concentrating on the Church of England's response to international liturgical developments, trends in language, and the production of prayer books. In the central chapter of the thesis, considerable time is spent examining specific changes of emphasis in the liturgical life of cathedrals. Special treatment is given to attempts to make worship accessible; fresh understandings of sacred space, pilgrimage, and processional; and a consideration of the tensions and complexities arising from the diverse roles which cathedrals are called to adopt, as diocesan churches, as churches with gathered congregations, and as the seat of the Bishop. The next chapters examine the recent liturgical history of two contrasting cathedrals in depth: Coventry and Durham. That detailed examination roots our theological reflection in the contemporary life of cathedrals, and leads to conclusions about identity, liturgical experimentation, mission, pastoralia, and pilgrimage. These conclusions lead to an assertion of the centrality of cathedrals in the present mission of the church, and that the liturgical development and distinctiveness of cathedrals is key to that centrality.