(ZENIT News / London, 09.12.2024).- After years of disrupted religious services due to the global pandemic, attendance at English cathedrals showed promising signs of recovery in 2023. According to data released on Thursday, September 5, the number of people attending weekly services rose by 5% compared to the previous year, although the figures remain below pre-pandemic levels.
The total weekly attendance at regular services increased from an average of 28,300 in 2022 to 30,300 in 2023. While this rise is encouraging, it still falls short of the 2019 average of 36,800, signaling that English cathedrals continue to feel the effects of the pandemic.
Visitors Near Pre-Pandemic Levels
In contrast to the slower return of worshippers, visitor numbers have nearly reached pre-pandemic heights. In 2023, 9.35 million people visited English cathedrals, just shy of the 9.38 million recorded in 2017. This represents a significant jump from the 2022 figures, which saw 1.4 million fewer visitors. However, while overall visitation numbers have surged, the increase in paid or donation-based entries lagged, rising by only 45,000.
Notably, Westminster Abbey—although not included in the overall data due to its status as a royal institution—also saw a significant rise in visitors, with 1.36 million people visiting in 2023, up by 90,000 from 2019.
Cathedrals as Centers of Worship and Community
In a preface to the report, Dr. Ken Eames, the lead statistician for the Church of England, highlighted the multifaceted role of cathedrals in modern society. «Cathedrals are more than just places of worship; they are centers of welcome, history, education, celebration, and contemplation,» Dr. Eames wrote. His remarks underscored the continued importance of these sacred spaces in an evolving world.
The data collected from 42 English cathedrals and Westminster Abbey covered a range of categories, including Sunday and weekday services, Easter and Christmas attendance, special services, and rites such as baptisms, weddings, and funerals. Information on musical activities, volunteering, and visitor engagement was also included.
Christmas Services Show Mixed Recovery
Although regular attendance is still climbing back to pre-pandemic levels, Christmas services in 2023 saw a brighter picture for some cathedrals, with several reporting that their numbers had surpassed 2019 figures. Overall, Christmas attendance in 2023 reached 124,500, marginally higher than the 124,300 seen in 2013, but still lower than the 132,300 recorded in 2019.
Meanwhile, graduation ceremonies at cathedrals in 2023 attracted a larger crowd than before the pandemic, with 357,000 people attending. However, this was a noticeable drop from the 437,000 recorded in 2022, signaling potential fluctuations in public gatherings.
Volunteer Numbers on the Rise
The number of volunteers serving in English cathedrals also experienced growth in 2023, increasing to 13,300 from 12,500 the previous year. Despite this improvement, volunteer numbers remain below the 2019 figure of 15,700, highlighting that cathedrals are still working to rebuild their support networks post-pandemic.
Looking Forward
The report’s findings suggest that English cathedrals are gradually regaining their place as hubs of worship and community engagement, but full recovery will take time. The increase in visitors and volunteers, along with strong Christmas and graduation attendance, are positive signs, yet the lingering gap in weekly service attendance serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of the pandemic on religious life. With continued efforts to welcome back worshippers and visitors alike, cathedrals remain hopeful for a complete resurgence in the coming years.
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