Ripon Cathedral is to invite a wide cross-section of the community to have their say on the cathedral’s future direction at a consultation day being held next month.
The Dean of Ripon, the Very Revd John Dobson has sent an open letter inviting people to drop into the Cathedral at any time on Saturday 25th October to learn about the life and mission of the cathedral at a variety of stands and record their views and hopes for the future.
The invitation has gone out to “congregation members, city residents, parishes and groups within the diocese, partners in the public, private and voluntary sectors and others who care about this ancient centre of worship and mission."
On his open letter, Dean John writes “It is important…that together we attempt to discern God’s vision for Ripon Cathedral as a church of this community and as a cathedral in this diocese and region. Please give us 30 minutes of your time between 10.00am and 4.00pm on October 25th. We are keen to hear your views on Ripon Cathedral and what our future should look like… For some months the Cathedral Chapter has been exploring how to develop our strategic plan. I am keen to extend this process by asking for the views of as many people as possible. …What do people think the Cathedral does well and how do they think it needs to develop?”
For visitors to the Consultation day there will be several displays covering different areas of the Cathedral’s life and mission, with members of the Cathedral Community available to help record people’s thoughts and ideas. Refreshments will be available throughout the day in the south transept.
The Dean himself says he will be in the Cathedral’s South Transept throughout the day to listen to people’s views: “ I will be available for anyone and everyone to share with me their personal views and aspirations for this wonderful cathedral. Please, do come and join us for as short or as long as you would like and are able. ….Please extend this invitation to your PCC and congregations.”
For more information about Ripon Cathedral go to their website here