Communities Minister, Lord Bourne, chose Bradford Cathedral this week as the starting point for a tour of every Anglican Cathedral in England during the next 12 months.
The visits are designed to highlight the contribution that cathedrals make to their wider ommunities and to celebrate the architectural, community and religious contribution they provide the nation.
Lord Bourne’s visit to Bradford focused on community engagement and faith in the city. As well as being shown around the Cathedral by the Dean, Very Revd Jerry Lepine (pictured with Lord Bourne), seeing recent repairs and refurbishment, he visited community projects in the city, held talks with Near Neighbours, meeting community and religious leaders and visited Bradford City Football Club.
Following his meeting with the Dean of Bradford, the Communities Minister said that he hoped the visits would highlight the role of cathedrals as diverse places that not only provide space for daily worship but also social support, as well as community and interfaith engagements.
“From Bradford to Bristol, each of the nation’s cathedrals is unique and offers each of us a chance to experience our rich heritage first hand” said Lord Bourne.
“Because of this,” he added, “I want to champion the role of cathedrals at the heart of our diverse cities, communities and faiths over the next year.
“I hope that communities around the England join me in learning more about our beautiful cathedrals and help preserve them for future generations.”
First World War Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund
Lord Bourne was also looking at how the Government’s First World War Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund has been spent. The fund aims to provide cathedrals across England with financial support for essential repairs, from heating systems to stained glass windows.
Bradford Cathedral has celebrated the completion of five major renovation projects including the Victorian State Gate, built to connect the cathedral to the city as well as work to the roof. This April is received further money for new heating.
Dean Jerry Lepine, said, “I am absolutely delighted that Lord Bourne, a Government Minister was able to visit us and I was able to show him the huge improvements that have been made possible at the Cathedral. Bradford is currently engaged in a significant period of regeneration and then Cathedral has become a part of that.”