Photo credit Bethany Clarke/Getty Images
Exciting news out of the Anglican Communion; the Canterbury Cathedral is the star of a new BBC2 documentary, chronicling a year in the mother church of the Communion.
The show documents both the routine and the extraordinary. In the first episode, a discussion about the work of the seamstresses changing vestments to fit the newly ordained women clergy, led into the inaugural performance by the girls’ choir; a break from 1,000 years of all-male choirs at Trinity.
Fittingly, the first episode is named “Not Set in Stone”, as it seems to demonstrate how the Church can blend ancient traditions and contemporary values around equality.
The Church in England has seen a decline in attendance, although immigration trends and other social movements have had an impact; immigration to the UK has stabilized the decline recently, and women’s ordination has kept the clergy growing at a time when less men are seeking ordination.
Unfortunately, the show isn’t available in America yet, but we can watch some great behind the scenes videos, including an impressive clip of a drone recording and photographing the inside and exterior of the Cathedral. (Youtube Video)
Would you be interested in watching the show? Do you think this is the type of engagement the church can do to help increase attendance and renew interest?
You can read a review of the first episode at the Guardian, and see more behind the scenes photos and video on the BBC2 site.
Posted by David Streever