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        <title>Christian Today | Church</title>
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            <title>Christian Today | Church</title>
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                <title><![CDATA[Scottish churches welcome £1m fund for historic buildings]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiantoday.com/news/scottish-churches-welcome-1m-fund-for-historic-buildings</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiantoday.com/news/scottish-churches-welcome-1m-fund-for-historic-buildings</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff writer]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[Saint Mary and Saint Finnan Catholic Church, Scotland, UK]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ (Photo: Getty/iStock) ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2026 09:44:00 +0100</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[Church leaders in Scotland have welcomed news that a £1 million fund is to be made available to cover the cost of repairs to listed buildings in Scotland.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
Church leaders in Scotland have welcomed news that a £1 million fund is to be made available to cover the cost of repairs to listed buildings in Scotland.
The maintenance and repair of historic churches has become an issue of increasing concern since Labour announced it would be bringing an end to the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme (LPWGS) earlier this year.
Although a successor scheme has been established, it has a lower budget and it no longer exempts historic churches from VAT on repair work.
At the time of the announcement, the then Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Rev Rosie Frew, warned the end of the scheme threatened the future viability of church properties. Just this week it was announced that a centuries old cathedral had passed out of church hands due to financial difficulties.
The newly announced Scotland Places of Worship Fund, set at £1 million, will allows religious groups to recover VAT costs on repair works to a listed building in which they worship. The fund forms a part of the Historic Environment Scotland (HES) grants budget.
The new fund has been welcomed by both the Church of Scotland and the Catholic Church in Scotland.
The Rt Rev Gordon Kennedy, current Moderator of Church of Scotland, said, “I’m very grateful for the support of HES and the Scottish Government in recognising the importance of places of worship, which are so often cherished by people beyond members of the congregation.
“We know how difficult it is for communities to lose their place of worship and support for repairs and maintenance will help keep more places warm, wind and watertight, and it makes it just a wee bit easier for local volunteers to care for these historic assets.”
His thoughts were echoed by Bishop John Keenan, President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Scotland, who said, “We warmly welcome Historic Environment Scotland's announcement of the Places of Worship Fund pilot for Scotland, which recognises the vital contribution that churches and other places of worship make to Scotland's heritage and community life.
“The fund will provide much-needed support for the care and conservation of these important buildings, helping to address the loss of the previous UK-wide scheme.”]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Brechin Cathedral handed over to community trust]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiantoday.com/news/brechin-cathedral-handed-over-to-community-trust</link>
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                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff writer]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[Brechin Cathedral handover]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ (Photo: Church of Scotland) ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Brechin Cathedral handover. ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2026 06:35:00 +0100</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[Not everyone is convinced this is a win.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
The Church of Scotland has transferred ownership of an 800-year-old cathedral to a community group.
Brechin Cathedral has not been used as a place of worship for nearly five years. The congregation was dissolved in November 2021 after it became too small to be able to financially support the historic building.
Matters were likely not helped by the government’s decision earlier this year to end the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme (LPWGS). While Labour did introduce a successor to the LPWGS, it has a much lower budget and does not exempt historic churches from paying VAT on repairs as the LPWGS did.
At the time the change was announced the then Moderator of the Church of Scotland General Assembly, Rt Rev Rosie Frew, warned that the viability of some its buildings was threatened by the change.
Brechin Cathedral has now been taken over by Brechin Cathedral Trust which, according to the Church of Scotland, “is committed to ensuring the landmark building continues to be the beating heart of the community.”
Caroline Fife, chair of the Trustees of the Brechin Cathedral Trust, said, "We are delighted to be taking on this historic building on behalf of the community of Brechin and placing it back at the centre of life in the town.
"The cathedral is much loved by all residents and has been at the heart of family and civic celebrations for over 800 years.
Speaking on behalf of the Church of Scotland, Rev Dr Scott Rennie said that as a former minister at the cathedral "it gives me such hope that it will continue in the care of the Brechin Cathedral Trust, a group of people passionate about it and Brechin's future".
“On behalf of the national Church, it gives me great joy and personal satisfaction to see Brechin Cathedral Kirk begin a new chapter as a community-focused asset," he said. 
Others were not so enthusiastic about the Church of Scotland’s loss of such a historic asset.
Marcus Walker, co-founder of Save the Parish, merely tweeted, “They’re bragging about it!” followed by three angry face emojis.]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Silent disco a 'desecration' of Canterbury Cathedral]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiantoday.com/news/silent-disco-a-desecration-of-canterbury-cathedral</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiantoday.com/news/silent-disco-a-desecration-of-canterbury-cathedral</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff writer]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[Canterbury Cathedral]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ (Photo: Getty/iStock) ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Canterbury Cathedral. ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2026 06:34:00 +0100</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[Christian commentators have reacted with dismay at a silent disco of ‘80s music held in Canterbury Cathedral on 15 August.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
Christian commentators have reacted with dismay at a silent disco of ‘80s music held in Canterbury Cathedral on 15 August.
The event was organised by Silent Discos in Incredible Places and featured two two-and-a-half-hour sessions. In 2024 a similar event was held, leading to a petition against it signed by over 2,000 people.
Attention was drawn to the latest event by Edward Pentin, Senior Vatican Correspondent of the National Catholic Register. Pentin noted that Canterbury Cathedral is place of particular sacredness to both Protestants and Catholics, being the location of St Thomas Becket’s martyrdom in the 12th century.
Becket was murdered during a dispute with King Henry II over whether clergy should be tried in royal or ecclesiastical courts. Four knights loyal to the king murdered Becket following Henry’s famous proclamation “Who will rid me of this turbulent priest?” To this day it is unclear whether this was meant as an order for Becket’s death or simply a cry of frustration.
Pentin also noted that the disco took place on the Feast of the Assumption, which marks the day when, according to Catholic tradition, Mary was taken up to heaven. 
Tim Dieppe, of Christian Concern, lamented the cathedral’s decision to allow the disco to take place, writing on X, “The church no longer believes in the attracting power of the gospel, and resorts to secular music instead.”
Similarly, Christian commentator Adrian Hilton wrote, “I abhor this ... it is the desecration of a sacred space.”
While Canterbury Cathedral, as the symbolic heart of English Christianity may have attracted the most attention, the event held there is far from unique.
Silent Discos in Incredible Places is currently advertising similar events in Beverley Minster, Sheffield Cathedral, Hereford Cathedral, Chester Cathedral, Ely Cathedral, Salisbury Cathedral, St Albans Cathedral and Truro Cathedral.]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Are churches missing out in the bitcoin boom?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiantoday.com/news/are-churches-missing-out-in-the-bitcoin-boom</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiantoday.com/news/are-churches-missing-out-in-the-bitcoin-boom</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter Crumpler]]></dc:creator>
                                                                                                                            <media:content  url="https://www.christiantoday.com/media/original/img/9/90/99095.jpg">
                            <media:title><![CDATA[bitcoin, cryptocurrency]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ (Photo: Getty/iStock) ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Fri, 14 Aug 2026 05:41:00 +0100</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[Earlier this summer, a church on England’s south coast made headlines, when it declared it was going to accept bitcoin as donations. ]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
Earlier this summer, a church on England’s south coast made headlines, when it declared it was going to accept bitcoin as donations. 
Sean Theunissen, elder and operations lead at Claygate Church, based in Bournemouth, Southbourne and Poole, emphasised: “Bitcoin is not the gospel 2.0 – the church will never move away from its central message.”
Bitcoin, explains the Cambridge Dictionary, is “a brand name for a type of cryptocurrency, a digital currency that is produced by a public network rather than any government, and uses special codes to keep it secret.” Its use has been increasing across the world. 
Mr Theunissen added, “The Bible is always speaking against injustice, corruption and dodgy scales. From what I can see, Bitcoin is not on a trajectory towards evil. It seems to be trying to get rid of some of the corruptions in traditional monetary systems.”
The church, part of the New Frontiers network, believes that digital currencies may present opportunities for strengthening its international partnerships, and streamlining the church’s support for them. 
Mr Theunissen explained: “We’ve definitely had issues with intermediary banks getting in the way of things in the past. As Bitcoin grows, who knows, potentially it will help reduce delays in getting help where it’s needed most. We want to support projects going on in different places. It’s a relational thing, but there’s also money that goes alongside that.”
Claygate Church may be among a small number of UK churches that are now accepting donations in cryptocurrency, but churches in the United States have been quicker to embrace the possible opportunities. 
Pushpay, an online church giving platform used by many US churches, offers stock and cryptocurrency giving among its services. 
An article posted on a US pastors’ blogsite earlier this year encouraged churches – with care – to embrace such giving. It advised, “for churches willing to do the work, the opportunity is substantial - not merely financially, but in terms of reaching a generation that has too often felt the church had nothing for them.”
UK churches are, generally, approaching cryptocurrencies with more caution. Charity and tax regulations between the two countries are different, so no direct comparison can be made.
Fundraisers and church treasurers I have spoken to have expressed scepticism about giving by cryptocurrencies taking off in the UK – certainly in the short-term. But a major UK online giving platform recently offered me the opportunity of donating in cryptocurrency, when I wanted to support a local schools charity.
So what’s happening?
A spokesperson for the Church of England told me that they were watching developments with interest: “Although our national systems do not currently support Bitcoin donations, our priority remains providing secure, compliant, and trusted giving solutions. 
“Any future consideration of cryptocurrency would need to align with regulatory requirements and available resources to implement well, but we remain interested in monitoring developments in this area.”
Daniel Jones, Chief Purpose Officer of Stewardship, a UK-based giving platform that enables more than 30,000 donors to give £161m a year to over 12,000 churches, charities and Christian workers, gave me his organisation’s perspective.
He explained, "Churches have always adapted to new technologies that help them engage people and resource ministry. Cryptocurrency may prove to be another of those developments - the real test for churches and charities considering accepting bitcoin donations is whether they can do so in a way that reflects good stewardship and helps steward resources faithfully and lawfully in service of God's mission.
“For cryptocurrency, that means trustees and ministry leaders should think carefully about practical considerations such as valuation volatility, governance, regulation and donor demand, alongside the potential opportunities the technology presents.  That also includes not falling into the trap or temptation of using it to circumvent systems and controls designed to protect them, their donors and their beneficiaries." 
Jones added, “At Stewardship, we're interested in technology that makes generosity easier and more joyful for those who give, and that helps churches and charities fulfil their mission. As with any innovation, churches should approach cryptocurrency with both curiosity and care.” 
The Charity Commission, which oversees UK charities including churches, published updated guidance in April 2023 to address the rise in cryptocurrencies. 
Sam Jackson, Assistant Director of Policy at the Commission explained, “As more and more charities move to operate online and newer technologies are developed, such as the use of cryptocurrencies, trustees will need to navigate risks that might not have been previously considered. We have updated our guidance to reflect the digital age we all live in and worked hard to ensure it is clear and simple to use.”
The Charity Commission set out the ‘many risks’ of cryptocurrencies as: 
- the volatility of their value as this can change very quickly
- potential fraud or theft by hackers
- the lack of protection compared to traditional currencies or financial products – because cryptoassets are largely unregulated you are very unlikely to have access to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) or the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) if something goes wrong
- that laws on cryptoassets vary between countries – cryptoassets are banned in some countries and other countries have complex regulatory requirements
- difficulty in tracing donors because donations of cryptoassets can be made anonymously
- their limited use as few retailers accept them as payment
- the environmental impact of cryptoassets and blockchain technology – many of these use a lot of energy and you should check how this fits with any environmental, social and governance policy you may have.
The Charity Commission advises that if, despite these risks, churches or charities opt to accept cryptocurrencies, then the trustees should adopt a policy on accepting, refusing and using cryptoassets, including how you make decisions about converting them to traditional currency.
Other Charity Commission advice includes: 
- if receiving donations directly in its crypto wallet, ensure the platform you are using is compliant with UK regulations and registered with the FCA for anti-money laundering and counterterrorism as required
- keep accurate records of donations, storage and usemake sure you follow HMRC’s guidance on the taxation of cryptoassets
- remember that you cannot claim Gift Aid on any cryptoassets
- review the benefits to your charity of accepting cryptocurrency versus the risk
- regularly review your policies on them.
In addition, the Code of Fundraising Practice – under which many charities operate – advises, “If you are considering accepting crypto donations, make sure you understand how to receive and store crypto, and how to convert it to legal tender. Before deciding to accept cryptocurrency donations, you should evaluate the risks and, if you need to, take specialist professional advice.”
At present, from a UK perspective, the risks appear to far outweigh benefits, especially as most British churches have treasurers who are hard-pressed volunteers, combining the role with full-time jobs, or are in their retirement years.
Regulatory and legal issues, concerns around the volatility of the cryptocurrency, the need to identify the giver when some donors may wish to remain anonymous, and the negative environmental impact of the resources used to create the cryptocurrencies will cause most churches to stay with more conventional means of fundraising. At least for the time being…  
Rev Peter Crumpler is a Church of England minister in St Albans, Herts and a former communications director with the CofE.]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Project Spire 'risks politicising and disunifying the church']]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiantoday.com/news/project-spire-risks-politicising-and-disunifying-the-church</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiantoday.com/news/project-spire-risks-politicising-and-disunifying-the-church</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff writer]]></dc:creator>
                                                                                                                            <media:content  url="https://www.christiantoday.com/media/original/img/9/90/99068.jpg">
                            <media:title><![CDATA[Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ (Photo: Lambeth Palace) ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ The Archbishop of Canterbury at Cape Coast Castle, where enslaved Africans were held before being transported to the Americas on British slave ships. ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 2026 04:09:00 +0100</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[Is the debate over slavery reparations putting off potential members of the Church of England?]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
The CEO of the Centre for Government Reform has denounced the Church of England’s “Project Spire” reparations plan as a “foolhardy” crusade that “risks politicising and disunifying the church”.
Ameer Kotecha, who previously served as a diplomat for the British government in Russia, said in an article for Spiked that he had an interest in the matter “as someone who spends ever more time in church and is probably on a slow and steady path to Christian worship”.
As a potential member of the Church of England, Kotecha said, “Nothing in Project Spire appeals to me or what I want from church.”
He said that calls for reparations for the transatlantic slave trade appeared to animate “self-flagellating white liberals in the developed world” far more than they did the average African.
Kotecha disputed the motivations behind the project, which will commit £100m to groups alleged to have been impacted by the slave trade.
On a recent visit to Ghana the Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, reaffirmed her commitment to Project Spire. She prayed for God to “bring justice and reconciliation to all who are still impacted by its legacy,” and framed the Church’s plans as part of a “journey of repentance”.
Far from being a spiritual act of repentance, Kotecha said he suspected the real motivation to be a “mix of guilt, partial historical knowledge and weakness in the face of shouty activist groups”.
Project Spire has been criticised on multiple fronts. Opponents question the justice of spending limited church resources on such a project when many ordinary parishes are struggling and need support.
Theologically and ethically, some have pointed out that Project Spire implies the Church of England now believes in inherited sin and that the suffering of some groups is more important than that of others.
Historically, the claim that the Church of England benefited at all from the slave trade has also been questioned.
Legally, it has been suggested that Project Spire could fall foul of regulations which state that charitable funds must be used for the purpose for which they have been donated. It was revealed at last month's General Synod that legal challenge against Project Spire is underway.]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Portsmouth Cathedral secures funding for urgent belfry conservation work]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiantoday.com/news/portsmouth-cathedral-secures-funding-for-urgent-belfry-conservation-work</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiantoday.com/news/portsmouth-cathedral-secures-funding-for-urgent-belfry-conservation-work</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Obianuju Mbah]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[Portsmouth cathedral]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ (Photo: Association of English Cathedrals) ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ The belfry is a distinctive part of Portsmouth Cathedral. ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2026 10:52:00 +0100</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[Portsmouth Cathedral has reached its fundraising goal to restore its historic belfry, paving the way for conservation work to begin next month.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
Portsmouth Cathedral has reached its fundraising goal to restore its historic belfry, paving the way for conservation work to begin next month.
The appeal, known as ‘The Big Tower Top-Up,’ was launched earlier this year after the cathedral identified a rare opportunity to carry out essential repairs through a time-limited access arrangement, sparing the cathedral the expense of a full scaffolding installation, which would have increased costs by around fourfold.
The fundraising campaign was completed with the help of a significant anonymous donation, grants from the Benefact Trust and the Syder Foundation, together with contributions from members of the public.
Work on the landmark structure is now scheduled to begin in September.
A cathedral spokesperson thanked everyone who had supported the appeal, saying the project had only reached its target because of the generosity of donors, grant-making organisations, volunteers and those who had shared the campaign or prayed for its success.
“Together, you are helping to preserve Portsmouth Cathedral for future generations and ensuring that this much-loved landmark continues to serve our city as a place of worship, heritage, music and community life,” the spokesperson said.
The repairs come as England’s cathedrals continue to balance the preservation of historic buildings with growing financial pressures. 
A recent report by Theos described cathedrals as vital “beacons” of worship, heritage and civic life, while warning that maintaining ancient buildings increasingly depends on a combination of Church funding, charitable donations, grants, commercial income and tourism.
The report found that 77% of adults in England had visited a cathedral within the previous three years, highlighting their continuing importance as places of worship, culture and community engagement. 
However, researchers also cautioned that the gap between the public contribution cathedrals make and the financial support they receive is continuing to widen, making fundraising campaigns increasingly important for the long-term care of these historic buildings.]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Church of England's reparations plan is 'unpopular, ill-judged and highly political']]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiantoday.com/news/church-of-england-s-reparations-plan-is-unpopular-ill-judged-and-highly-political</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiantoday.com/news/church-of-england-s-reparations-plan-is-unpopular-ill-judged-and-highly-political</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff writer]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[The Archbishop of Canterbury at Cape Coast Castle in Ghana.]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ (Photo: Lambeth Palace) ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ The Archbishop of Canterbury at Cape Coast Castle in Ghana. ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Mon, 10 Aug 2026 14:48:00 +0100</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[The transatlantic slave trade was a complex industry with its own supply chains involving both European and African rulers and traders.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
Anglican Reader and barrister Charles Wide has said that the Church of England's decision to press ahead with Project Spire is “unpopular, ill-judged, [and] highly political”.
Project Spire is the controversial commitment by the Church Commissioners to set up a £100m “fund for healing, repair, and justice”. The money will go towards projects supporting ethnic minority groups allegedly impacted by the transatlantic slave trade. 
The motive behind the fund is repentance and an attempt at restitution for the alleged role of the Church of England in the slave trade.
The commitment was reaffirmed by Sarah Mullally, the Archbishop of Canterbury, during her recent visit to Ghana, which included time at a former British slavery site.
"I pray not only in lament for the Church’s involvement in the slave trade, but also for hope - hope that the God of healing can bring justice and reconciliation to all who are still impacted by its legacy," she said during her visit. 
"In the name of Jesus Christ, who came to set people free, I pray that we have the courage to continue our journey of repentance, and to strive for a world in which all of God's children are treated with dignity." 
Critics however have questioned not only the wisdom of the fund but the historical research that underpins it. Dr Richard Dale, Emeritus Professor of the University of Southampton and a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society has argued against claims the Church of England benefited financially from the slave trade.
Even if it had, others question whether it is in line with the spirit of the gospel to expect modern-day members of the Church of England to pay for the alleged sins of their ancestors.
Writing for The Telegraph, Wide said, “None of the parishioners I know played any part in the slave trade and bear no responsibility for it … They have no reason to repent something they did not do, nor can Church leaders repent on their behalf or on behalf of Christians of three hundred years ago. The Gospels reject the idea of inherited sin and furthermore make clear that our obligation to forgive is not conditional upon the contrition of those who have done us wrong.”
Wide also noted that during her visit to Ghana, there was no record of Mullally reminding Ghana’s modern-day leaders “of their predecessors’ dependence on slavery for their wealth”.
Perhaps ironically, Ghana has been at the forefront of demands for reparations, despite the involvement of its former elites in the days of the slave trade.
The transatlantic slave trade, generally speaking, was a complex industry with its own supply chains. Europeans provide commodities to African rulers and merchants, who in return provided slaves, often taken in raids or conflict with rival tribes.
Wide said that Mullally had given a “contested history” during her visit to Ghana and warned that proceeding with Project Spire, despite a potential legal challenge, could backfire.
“Has she considered the reputational harm, throughout the Anglican Communion, if this unpopular, ill-judged, highly political hangover from the Welby regime cannot be lawfully delivered?” he said. ]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Peterborough Cathedral welcomes more families with LEGO exhibition]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiantoday.com/news/peterborough-cathedral-welcomes-more-families-with-lego-exhibition</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiantoday.com/news/peterborough-cathedral-welcomes-more-families-with-lego-exhibition</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Obianuju Mbah]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[LEGO]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ (Photo: Association of English Cathedrals) ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ A LEGO model of the Titanic currently on display at Peterborough Cathedral. ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Mon, 10 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[Peterborough Cathedral has welcomed a major LEGO exhibition this summer as Anglican cathedrals across England continue expanding their cultural and family programmes alongside their traditional role as places of worship.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
Peterborough Cathedral has welcomed a major LEGO exhibition this summer as Anglican cathedrals across England continue expanding their cultural and family programmes alongside their traditional role as places of worship.
‘Travelling Bricks’ features more than 1 million LEGO bricks arranged into 120 models across 60 scenes celebrating engineering, exploration and transport.
The exhibition, which runs until 29 August, is divided into four themed zones - Air, Land, Sea and Space - with highlights including a 7.2-metre model of the Titanic, a 3-metre rocket, a Boeing 747 and recreations of historic ships such as HMS Victory and SS Great Britain.
Visitors can enjoy building their own creations in an interactive area containing 200,000 plus LEGO bricks, while younger children can explore a dedicated soft-brick play zone.
The exhibition joins another major attraction already on display at the cathedral: ‘Titanosaur,’ the Natural History Museum's enormous dinosaur display, which remains on loan until 13 September beneath the cathedral's central tower.
Peterborough Cathedral’s Paul Stainton said the combination of attractions was expected to make this the cathedral’s busiest summer programme to date.
“This is shaping up to be our biggest summer yet at Peterborough Cathedral. With both Travelling Bricks and Titanosaur under one roof, families can easily spend hours exploring, learning, playing and creating memories together right in the heart of the city,” he said. 
To support local businesses and encourage tourism during the school holidays, Peterborough City Council is also giving visitors twice as much parking time for the usual two-hour fee throughout the summer.
The exhibition comes as England’s cathedrals continue attracting growing numbers of visitors through a mixture of worship, heritage, education and cultural events.
Newly published Church of England figures show cathedral attendance increased for the fifth consecutive year in 2025, with adult Sunday attendance rising by 8% compared with the previous year. 
Beyond regular services, England’s cathedrals received more than 9.2 million visitors and welcomed 1.83 million people at concerts, graduations, exhibitions and other civic events during the year.
A recent report by the think tank Theos described cathedrals as important civic and spiritual “beacons,” finding that 77% of adults in England had visited a cathedral within the last three years, including more than two-thirds of people with no religious affiliation. 
Researchers said that cathedrals increasingly serve as places of worship, heritage, education and community life, while also making a significant contribution to local economies.
At the same time, the report warned that many cathedrals continue to face significant financial pressures despite their significant public role, with four out of five continuing to face persistent funding shortfalls.
Tickets for Travelling Bricks can be purchased online and at the cathedral, priced at £10 for adults and £6 for children and students.]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Vatican urges international community to make homelessness a priority]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiantoday.com/news/vatican-urges-international-community-to-make-homelessness-a-priority</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiantoday.com/news/vatican-urges-international-community-to-make-homelessness-a-priority</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Obianuju Mbah]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[homeless]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ (Photo: Getty/iStock) ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Mon, 10 Aug 2026 09:06:00 +0100</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[The Holy See has urged governments around the world to place homelessness at the heart of housing and urban policy, warning that access to a safe home is fundamental to human dignity rather than simply an economic issue.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
The Holy See has urged governments around the world to place homelessness at the heart of housing and urban policy, warning that access to a safe home is fundamental to human dignity rather than simply an economic issue.
The appeal comes as homelessness remains a pressing issue in the UK. 
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has vowed to tackle long-term rough sleeping, announcing a £340m programme to create 1,200 homes and deliver comprehensive assistance to at least 3,000 people in England over the next five years. 
The commitment followed official government estimates that put the number of people found sleeping on England’s streets during a single-night survey in autumn 2025 at around 4,793 - the highest figure recorded to date. 
According to the Guardian, housing organisations have attributed the rise to a shortage of affordable housing, rising rents and increasing reliance on temporary accommodation.
The Vatican’s intervention was delivered during the United Nations General Assembly’s High-Level Meeting marking the 10th anniversary of the New Urban Agenda, an international framework promoting sustainable urban development.
The Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See said: “The persistence of homelessness should trouble the conscience of the international community.” 
It called on countries to ensure that their cities are designed to promote the common good rather than economic growth alone.
“Everybody deserves a place to call home, where they can build relationships, nurture family life, and participate fully in their community,” the Vatican said. “Housing should therefore be viewed not just as a commodity or financial asset, but as a cornerstone of society at the service of the common good.”
The Holy See argued that well-planned cities should foster “solidarity, inclusion and care” for society’s most vulnerable members, becoming “places of encounter, fraternity and hope.”
Quoting Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical ‘Magnifica Humanitas,’ the delegation added that genuine development is achieved only when “people are at the centre,” saying this approach should shape how the New Urban Agenda is put into practice over the coming decade.
The statement described homelessness as “an affront to human dignity” that involves “more than lacking shelter”.
“It means being deprived of security, stability, privacy, and a sense of belonging,” the delegation said, adding that homelessness often makes it harder for individuals and families to enjoy their fundamental rights while reinforcing patterns of poverty and social isolation. 
The Holy See called on governments to increase investment in affordable housing alongside integrated social services, while addressing underlying causes like poverty, unemployment, drug addiction, mental health issues, family breakdown, displacement and conflict.
Policymakers were called upon to involve faith-based organisations, local communities, civil society groups and people with lived experience of homelessness when developing solutions.
Housing policy should be considered alongside education, employment and healthcare, the Holy See said, as it called for a more “integrated approach” to “help prevent exclusion and segregation”.
The Vatican’s intervention comes as campaigners in Britain continue to warn that homelessness could worsen without more ambitious action. 
A recent report by IPPR North and the charity Crisis projected that the number of people needing statutory homelessness support from English councils could increase by about a quarter by 2030, with over 230,000 people potentially affected unless governments significantly expand affordable housing and adopt stronger “Housing First” policies.
Based on data from the Local Government Association, last year, councils in England spent more than £1.3bn on temporary accommodation, highlighting the growing financial pressure created by rising homelessness.
Concluding its address, the Holy See said the success of a city should ultimately be judged by how it treats its most vulnerable residents.
“Urban development cannot be measured solely by the height of its buildings or the strength of its economy, but above all by its ability to enable every person to flourish by participating fully in society and contributing to the common good,” the statement said.
It added that every person possesses God-given dignity and that “the true measure of a sustainable city lies in how it treats all its members, and, consequently, in its capacity to address multiple forms of poverty, persistent inequalities and environmental degradation”.]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[£650,000 appeal launched to save two crumbling churches]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiantoday.com/news/650-000-appeal-launched-to-save-two-crumbling-churches</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiantoday.com/news/650-000-appeal-launched-to-save-two-crumbling-churches</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Robert Parr]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[St Tyfi’s Church, Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ (Photo: Friends of Friendless Churches) ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ St Tyfi’s Church, Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Mon, 10 Aug 2026 08:17:00 +0100</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[A generous donor has agreed to match every donation up to a value of half a million pounds.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
An appeal is seeking to raise £650,000 in order to preserve a pair of abandoned historic churches.
National charity Friends of Friendless Churches (FFC) has worked to save 71 churches over its 70 year history. The group has now turned its attention to St Helen’s, Biscathorpe, in Lincolnshire and St Tyfi’s, Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire.
St Helen’s was built in 1847 and is a Grade II listed building. However, time has not been kind to the building. The ceilings are collapsing, water is making its way through the nave, and the church is partially exposed to the elements.
Historic England has declared the condition of the building to be “very bad” and called it one of the most endangered Victorian churches in the country.
Griff Rhys Jones, President of the Victorian Society, said, "It is a delicate and fascinating work of architecture and a remarkable survival - urgent repairs are clearly now required. In the longer term, a sensitive new use for it is needed, one that preserves the lovely and largely intact interior and its original suite of furnishings."
Even more historic is St Tyfi’s, which dates back to at least 1291. The church officially closed its doors in 1961 and again, time has not been kind. Poor drainage, rotting timbers and invading plant life have all played their part in giving the church its current “at risk” designation.
A group of four local men have been doing their best to stave off the worst of the decline, but, according to FFC, things have reached the point where they cannot hope to deal with it alone.
FFC said that it wished to take ownership of the church, but to work closely with the locals who have done so much to give the building a fighting chance of survival.
In a bid to save both St Helen’s and St Tyfi’s, it is hoping to raise £650,000 from donors. However, the group added that a “generous donor” had agreed to match all donations made up to a value of £500,000.
The campaign will run until its target is achieved or until 31 March 2027, whichever comes sooner.
FFC said, “Saving a church is slow, costly work. A single repair can take months simply to reach site: planning, permissions, funding, and the search for craftspeople who still understand lime mortar, historic stonework, or how a medieval roof holds itself up.
"Since places of worship lost their VAT exemption, the cost of all of it rose by 20% overnight. Together, these two churches will cost more than £1 million to save.” ]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Over 1,500 queue up for prayer and worship in London despite heatwave]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiantoday.com/news/over-1-500-queue-up-for-prayer-and-worship-in-london-despite-heatwave</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiantoday.com/news/over-1-500-queue-up-for-prayer-and-worship-in-london-despite-heatwave</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Obianuju Mbah]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[Christians queue up for service]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ (Photo: Bex Rai) ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Sat, 08 Aug 2026 08:40:00 +0100</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[Long queues forming outside the East London venue despite temperatures climbing above 30°C.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
Over 1,500 people gathered for an evening of worship and prayer at Hackney Church in East London last month, with long queues forming outside the venue despite temperatures climbing above 30°C.
The event was organised jointly by SAINT, King’s Cross Church (KXC) and IMPRINT Church, bringing together Christians from across London for a prayer gathering.
By the time doors opened, hundreds were already waiting outside, with the line stretching through the church grounds as people arrived to take part in the evening of worship, reflection and intercession.
Hackney Church, which also hosts concerts by major music artists, was packed to capacity as worshippers occupied both the main floor and balcony.
Among those waiting to enter was Demi, who said she had come seeking prayer for healing within her family.
“There’s a lot that has happened over the years, but I believe Jesus can restore what has been broken,” she said. “I’ve come here today to pray for that.”
The gathering opened with extended sung worship before the Rev Pete Hughes, Vicar and Lead Pastor of KXC, led those present into a time of kneeling prayer, encouraging them to echo the words of the Lord’s Prayer: “Not my will, but Yours be done.”
Drawing on Psalm 42, Rev Hughes reflected on the verse, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God,” using the day’s intense heat as an illustration of spiritual longing for God.
The service continued late into the evening, with people joining throughout the night as others departed.
The gathering was one of six Joint Prayer Gatherings held annually by the three churches.
Previous events have included an overnight prayer vigil on Good Friday, with many attendees returning regularly and inviting friends and family to participate.
One person in attendance who had previously taken part in the Good Friday gathering described the experience as “amazing,” saying the service offered a fresh expression of worship while remaining deeply meaningful.]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Gloucester Cathedral awarded £250m to restore world's oldest fan-vaulted cloisters]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiantoday.com/news/gloucester-cathedral-awarded-250m-to-restore-world-s-oldest-fan-vaulted-cloisters</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiantoday.com/news/gloucester-cathedral-awarded-250m-to-restore-world-s-oldest-fan-vaulted-cloisters</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff writer]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[Gloucester Cathedral]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ (Photo: Getty/iStock) ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Gloucester Cathedral's spectacular fan-vaulted cloisters. ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Fri, 07 Aug 2026 10:11:00 +0100</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[Gloucester Cathedral is believed to have been the first to adopt "fan vaulting".]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
The Wolfson Foundation has awarded a quarter of a million pounds to Gloucester Cathedral to repair and renovate its Great Cloister.
Gloucester Cathedral’s Great Cloister is believed to be the first example of “fan vaulting” - an architectural ceiling design in which evenly spaced curved stone ribs spread out from stone columns, creating a fan-like decoration. 
The restoration of the Great Cloister forms part of a 12-year project to restore all of the cathedral’s cloisters, which date from the mid-14th to the early 15th centuries.
The Association of English Cathedrals called the Great Cloister "internationally significant" and said the restoration work would help to safeguard "one of the most important examples of medieval architecture in the world".
The Great Cloister is located in the Cathedral’s East Walk, which according to the Association of English Cathedrals, “has reached a critical stage”.
Parts of the stonework are “vulnerable to “deterioration” in part due to weathering, but also “inappropriate repairs carried out during the 19th and 20th centuries”.
As well as conducting the practical work, there are plans to involve visitors, school and community groups in the process, via tours, demonstrations and other activities.
The Very Rev Andrew Zihni, Dean of Gloucester, said he was “incredibly grateful" for the grant.
"This funding marks a significant milestone in securing the future of one of the world’s most remarkable medieval buildings," he said. 
"The Great Cloister is not only a masterpiece of architecture but also a living and sacred space where people gather to worship, learn and connect. This investment enables us to protect that heritage while inspiring future generations through conservation, craftsmanship and public engagement.”
Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation, called the Great Cloister "one of the glories of medieval architecture". 
"In addition to the wonders of the stonework and fan vaulting, the project also supports the ongoing development of vital conservation skills through the Cathedral’s imaginative apprenticeship and specialist training programmes," he said. 
"It will allow current and future generations to be inspired anew by this remarkable space.”]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Christians celebrate St Francis of Assisi’s legacy of peace 800 years on with pilgrimage]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiantoday.com/news/christians-celebrate-st-francis-of-assisis-legacy-of-peace-800-years-on-with-pilgrimage</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiantoday.com/news/christians-celebrate-st-francis-of-assisis-legacy-of-peace-800-years-on-with-pilgrimage</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Obianuju Mbah]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[pilgrims, pilgrimage]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ (Photo: Bishopthorpe Palace) ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ The pilgrims are making their way to London over several weeks. ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 2026 12:16:00 +0100</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[A group of Franciscan Christians are walking hundreds of miles across England this summer as part of a peace pilgrimage commemorating 800 years since the passing of St Francis of Assisi.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
A group of Franciscan Christians are walking hundreds of miles across England this summer as part of a peace pilgrimage commemorating 800 years since the passing of St Francis of Assisi.
Organised by the Society of St Francis, the pilgrimage began in Alnmouth, Northumberland, on July 17 and is making its way through towns and cities across northern England before concluding in London.
The route includes stops in Manchester, York, Newcastle, Leeds, Durham and Bradford. 
Pilgrims also stopped at Bishopthorpe Palace, the official residence of the Archbishop of York, for a time of prayer on Saturday, August 1.
The pilgrimage is taking place to celebrate the life and legacy of St Francis, particularly in respect of his commitment to peace and reconciliation.
Offering his support, the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell said the journey reflected the Christian calling to be peacemakers: “This pilgrimage is a wonderful reminder that Christ’s peace starts with each of us.” 
Sister Judi from the Society of St Francis said this year’s pilgrimage carries particular significance because it celebrates the 800th anniversary of the saint’s “transitus” - the Christian remembrance of his death.
“Francis was very much about bringing peace, and the theme of peace is especially urgent for our world today,” she said.
“We hope the pilgrimage will be an outward sign of peace, openly showing that we long for peace, and encouraging others to do what they can to help this."
She added that walking alongside others often creates opportunities for meaningful conversations and reflection.
“It’s often easier to talk when walking alongside others, rather than across a meeting room," she said.
“Pilgrimages can be life changing, and being out in nature can help to refocus our minds and bring healing and wholeness.”
The pilgrimage is open to anyone wishing to take part, whether for a few miles or a longer stretch of the route, as well as those who wish to attend prayer gatherings, services or offer encouragement to those taking part. 
Archbishop Cottrell said he would be praying for Sister Judi and all those taking part in the pilgrimage, expressing his hope that the journey would inspire “us all to bring peace and hope to our communities.”]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Cathedrals use new digital guides to enhance visitor experience]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiantoday.com/news/cathedrals-use-new-digital-guides-to-enhance-visitor-experience</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiantoday.com/news/cathedrals-use-new-digital-guides-to-enhance-visitor-experience</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff writer]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[York Cathedral]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ (Photo: Getty/iStock) ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ York Cathedral ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 2026 11:35:00 +0100</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[Five English cathedrals have introduced new digital guides in partnership with Bloomberg Connects.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
Five English cathedrals have introduced new digital guides in partnership with Bloomberg Connects.
Visitors to Birmingham, Carlisle, Coventry and Liverpool Cathedrals, as well as York Minster will be able to access free multilingual guides featuring audio, video and text content. QR codes on site can be used to access the content.
The move was pioneered by Liverpool Cathedral, which first used Bloomberg Connects to introduce a new audio tour for the Cathedral’s tower.
The cathedral said, “It’s another step in making our visitor experience more engaging, accessible and immersive. When we launched on Bloomberg Connects, we became the first cathedral in the UK and Europe to join the platform. 
"Since then we’ve continued to develop the guide, using audience insights and visitor behaviour to shape new content that genuinely enhances a visit.
"What started with just 7 audio stops has now grown to 68, covering everything from our architecture and stained glass to exhibitions, artworks, hidden stories and now our Tower Experience.
“It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the guide evolve into something that helps thousands of visitors explore the Cathedral in a deeper, more meaningful way, while also making our interpretation more accessible to audiences from around the world.”
Coventry Cathedral launched its new digital guide on 25 May in conjunction with the 64th anniversary of its consecration.
Dr Andrew Hines, Coventry Cathedral’s Head of Heritage and Interpretation, said, “We are living through a time of fragmentation in our communities. Heritage sites offer rare spaces of common ground - places where people can encounter each other’s stories and reflect on their own.”
Dr Hines said the new digital guide served to open up the cathedral, not only for locals, but for the wider world.
“At a time when there is such pride and momentum across the city, this feels like the perfect moment to invite people to reconnect - with place, with history, and with one another. This is about access, inclusion, and meaningful connection, at the heart of our mission of reconciliation," he said. ]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Instead of going on an expensive guilt trip, why doesn't the Church of England spend £100m on parish vicars?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiantoday.com/news/instead-of-going-on-an-expensive-guilt-trip-why-doesn-t-the-church-of-england-spend-100m-on-parish-vicars</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiantoday.com/news/instead-of-going-on-an-expensive-guilt-trip-why-doesn-t-the-church-of-england-spend-100m-on-parish-vicars</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Julian Mann]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[St Marys church, South Dalton, Yorkshire, Church of England]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ (Photo: Getty/iStock) ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 2026 11:32:00 +0100</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[With the £100m earmarked for slavery reparations, the Church of England could fund 100 frontline vicars for a decade.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
Conservative MP Nick Timothy says the £100m the Church of England plans to spend on slavery reparations should be going on church building repairs. But how about spending the money on frontline parish vicars?
The MP for West Suffolk this week wrote to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, after she reaffirmed her commitment to the Project Spire reparations scheme during a visit to the former British slavery site, Cape Coast Castle, in Ghana.
He wrote: “I do not believe this is an appropriate use of the Church’s resources at a time when local parish churches are struggling. In my own constituency, for example, All Saints in Gazeley struggled to fund roof repairs without which the unique wood carvings in the chancel – dating back to the 1500s – would have been lost.”
There were many other examples, he said, of historic parish churches “struggling to raise funds, not helped by the Government’s decision to apply VAT to church repairs”.
“Parish churches are the beating heart of our villages and towns, and they are a vital part of our inheritance and our national identity. They are monuments to the glory of God. And they need all the help they can get,” he wrote.
As a former parish vicar myself, I know the importance of the church building for a local community. In the South Yorkshire parish I served, the overwhelming majority of people didn’t go to church. But if the early Victorian church building had closed, that would have nonetheless impacted powerfully on people.
A considerable number of the older residents had been baptised as babies in the church and had been married there. Even though they did not come to church on Sundays, I would often see such people at the funerals of their relatives or friends.
Probably most people who had grown up in that parish had been in the church building at least once, whether as a child at a Christmas or school service or at a wedding, funeral, or Remembrance service. The closure of the building would have represented for them a loss of collective memory in their village.
So, though I believe biblically that the most important thing about a local church is its people, I do not take a cavalier approach to the building they meet in.
However, if it was a choice between a building repair that was desirable though not essential and employing a youth worker to enable the largely elderly church family to grow younger, that would have been a no-brainer for me. The practical reality is that if there is no congregation to look after the building, it has to close.
That is why I believe that the loss of its vicar is worse for a local church and parish than the loss of its building. A church with dedicated pastoral leadership can find another venue to meet in. But without positive pastoral leadership, the church’s future is doubtful wherever it meets.
The evidence of that is surely the steep numerical decline in the C of E over the past two decades with churches merged and frontline clergy numbers cut.
The dwindling bands of vicars are now spread too thinly. With them having to run around multiple churches, what realistic chance do they have of leading any one of their congregations into growth?
If instead of spending the £100m on slavery reparations, the Church Commissioners spent the money on parish ministry, they could fund 100 vicars for 10 years. A diocese in receipt of a grant of £1m could easily cover the cost of a parish vicar for 10 years.
The rules for such grants to dioceses from the Church Commissioners would need to be quite strict for the proper stewardship of resources. To use an example of a parish church that is all too common in the C of E, a congregation of around 15 people in their 70s and 80s is facing a vacancy through the retirement of their vicar. For the last three years of his ministry, the church was without a treasurer and had only one churchwarden.
That is unfortunately an unviable church and to put another vicar in there would actually be grossly unfair as he or she would not have the support they need.
The grants should be targeted at parish churches that have at least 30 to 35 people with a functioning Parochial Church Council (PCC). Under normal circumstances when its vicar leaves, such a church would likely get merged into a larger unit with one vicar having to run around several churches. But under the grant scheme the diocese could give that church its own vicar for 10 years.
If after that time the PCC is able to cover the cost of its ministry, the diocese should allow the church to keep its vicar.
Ideally, the grants would enable potentially viable churches to have their own vicar. But in rural dioceses where single-church vicars are few and far between, the Church Commissioners should stipulate that the vicars they fund should not have to run around more than three churches.
Instead of going on an expensive guilt trip, why don’t the Church Commissioners invest in church growth by spending the money on frontline clergy devoted to the salvation of eternal souls?
Julian Mann, a former Church of England vicar, is an evangelical journalist based in Lancashire, UK.]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[£1.4m appeal to save York Minster's Rose Window from climate change]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiantoday.com/news/14m-appeal-to-save-york-minster-s-rose-window-from-climate-change</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiantoday.com/news/14m-appeal-to-save-york-minster-s-rose-window-from-climate-change</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff writer]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[The Rose Window at York Minster]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ (Photo: Getty/iStock) ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ The Rose Window at York Minster is to undergo restoration. ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 2026 09:58:00 +0100</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[York Minster has launched an appeal for funds to conserve its iconic Rose Window, which is feared to be at risk from the impact of climate change.]]></description>
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York Minster has launched an appeal for funds to conserve its iconic Rose Window, which is feared to be at risk from the impact of climate change.
In 1984 lightning struck the South Transept causing a fire that exposed the window to temperatures as high as 450 degrees centigrade. The incident left the window with approximately 40,000 cracks in its 73 panels.
While experts were able to stabilise the window, a survey in 2025 suggested that climate change could be posing a threat to the window’s future. The report noted that high levels of ultraviolet and infrared radiation, as well as higher levels of moisture are damaging the surfaces of the glass and contributing to a gradual degradation in the window’s materials and the surrounding stone.
The launch of the fundraising project on 1 August coincided with Yorkshire Day. A target of £1.4m has been set.
Donations have already come in, including from The Julia Rausing Trust, named after the philanthropist who died in 2024. 
Speaking to The Press, Dr Marie Groll, director of the York Glaziers Trust, said, "The Rose Window is considered by many to be the jewel in the crown of York Minster's priceless stained-glass collection.
"Whilst the work of my predecessors has held up remarkably well, we can now halt the decay we are seeing today from UV and IR radiation.
"As conservators, we have a duty of care to the Minster, its heritage, and the people of York to ensure this remarkable window continues to stand proudly over our city."
The restoration project will involve the installation of a new layer of external glazing that will act as a “sacrificial barrier” and so protect the original glass from damaging radiation.]]></content:encoded>
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