Andrew Shanks, Anglicanism Reimagined: An Honest Church?'

Last Updated on Saturday, 23 January 2010 15:39

This new book, to be published by SPCK, is to be launched on Thursday, 28 January, 2010, 19.00 in the Cathedral. It's a free event, open to all.

The book is dedicated to the proposition that - all appearances perhaps to the contrary - there has never been a better time to belong to the Church of England than the present.

It proposes some reforms. On the one hand: a redefinition of church membership that, in liturgical terms, would mean reuniting infant baptism with first communion, and abolishing confirmation as a separate rite. On the other hand: a redefinition of leadership within the church, which would relieve bishops of a great many burdens.

But, above all, it sets out a fundamentally hopeful vision of an institution, once rotten to the core, that's now being purged by worldly decline: potentially opened up to the actual truth of the gospel, as never before.

Christmas starts with Christ

Last Updated on Friday, 20 November 2009 11:43

Christmas, as we celebrate it nowadays, is not least a great festival of cultural fusion: a mixture of elements from numerous different places.

An originally Middle Eastern story has come down to us first through the Greek and then through the Latin Language. And people still love the old ‘King James' translation into English, from the early 17th century.

Most of the Christmas carols that we sing are native English contributions. There will be many thousands of people passing through the Cathedral during the Christmas season, to sing carols. On some days the building will be filled to capacity for three, or even four, consecutive carol services.

The Christmas tree is an originally German contribution, introduced into England in the mid- 19th century. This year there will be new lights on the Christmas tree inside, under the tower. And there will also, for the first time, be a big Christmas tree planted outside, on VictoriaStreet, all lit up to beautify the approaches to the Cathedral.

Another originally German custom, which has, in recent years, spread to this country, is the ‘Continental' Christmas Market. This year - again for the first time - the Christmas Market will spread right down towards the Cathedral. And the Cathedral will also be running its own stall there, staffed by volunteers.

Read more: Christmas starts with Christ

A new music stand for the nave

Last Updated on Friday, 20 November 2009 11:41

‘In Memory of Douglas Irvine Steele 1910-1999 Composer, Teacher, Organist'. So reads the plaque on the new conductor's stand in the nave. Douglas Steele was Assistant Organist in the Cathedral from 1951 - 1960. Ten years on from his death in December 1999 and nearly sixty years since he was appointed as assistant to Norman Cocker, money raised at a concert celebrating his life and music has been used to provide a lasting memorial in the Cathedral. The stand will be dedicated during the 10:30 Eucharist on Sunday December 20th.

In addition to being a gifted organist with a particular fondness for improvisation, Douglas Steele wrote many short choral, piano and organ pieces, often for his pupils at Chetham's or later at Stockport grammar School where he was Senior Music Master until he retired in 1972. Friends and colleagues too were recipients of his compositions. His "Fanfare for a Dean" for organ was commissioned by the Cathedral and performed at the installation of former Dean Ken Riley in 1993.

The music stand has been made in Idaho, USA by Michael Norris, known as "Mister Standman". Made in light oak to blend with the nave furniture, its height and rake are adjustable and it is equipped with a capacious additional shelf to accommodate those essentials of the modern musician: watch, pencil, mobile phone, tuning fork etc. It is fitting that we have a practical memorial to a man who, despite recurrent bouts of depression and self doubt, gave much to the musical life of the Cathedral and Manchester as a whole.

Read more: A new music stand for the nave

Be a part of it

Last Updated on Sunday, 17 January 2010 12:09

Meetings to spread the news

With the Cathedral Development well underway and the first phase of the fundraising campaign gaining pace, the Cathedral Congregation and Community are to be invited to a series of information sessions on the proposed developments.

Everyone will be given the opportunity to ask any questions regarding the proposed developments and will be able to provide any feedback on the development so far. It is hoped that as our plans become more established, everyone will then feel encouraged to participate and help realise a joint vision for the future of Manchester Cathedral.

Cathedral Development Group

One of the things we most urgently need to do is recruit more volunteers; and a Volunteer Programme will be established by the Cathedral Development Group.

Volunteers from all walks of life and backgrounds, secular and religious, will be encouraged to participate in the volunteer programme with an estimated 150 new volunteers ideally required to staff the Cathedral.

We have also been discussing ways in which each individual parish within the Diocese can be represented within Manchester Cathedral, for instance by kneeling pads emblazoned with a motif depicting the parish in question.

Sponsorships for individual areas within the Cathedral are another possibility; and perhaps also personal dedications for those remembering anniversaries.

Read more: Be a part of it