Our Cathedral was built by the people of Manchester for the people of Manchester.  It is in recognition of the Kingdom of God, a place of quiet prayer and reflection, a place for the Celebration of Christ, a place of peace and quiet and a place of religious musical excellence. In short, our Cathedral allows many to step out of the busy road of life and sit quietly in a place of peace that asks nothing in return other than gentle respect for others sharing this sacred space.

The Cathedral Community and the many of you who generously give gifts towards the work of the Cathedral and the Booth Centre supporting the less fortunate is greatly appreciated. The fabric of the building needs constant repair and upgrading, not an easy task within a grade 1 listed building, but a task that is lovingly accepted and generously supported. Wherever possible work is carried out by volunteers.

It is therefore with significant sadness when I come into the Cathedral and witness the regular devastation caused by mindless vandalism. Stones thrown through windows, paving slabs lifted, coving stones dislodged and more seriously skylights smashed and forced entry into the offices and nave where computers and the small amounts of money donated by visitors is taken. We have needed to install CCTV Cameras, ask the local Police to increase their patrols and the Community Police to regularly visit the Cathedral grounds. But most of this is expensive. To replace the St Denys Window will cost several hundred pounds. Skylights are not cheap, security bars protecting possible access points are now being installed and all of this diverts time, effort and money from the Cathedral's resources that could be put to much better use.

I know that asking people to intervene when groups of ill doers are intent on causing damage is wrong. But possibly if you could be a little more vigilant, ring the police from your mobile and let them know what is going on and perhaps help us to spread the word that the Cathedral does need help and protection. Over Christmas in excess of 20,000 people came to services and concerts; help us to keep this magnificent venue in the forefront of people's minds, maintain its dignity and work together to educate and prevent senseless mindless damage.