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After Eight at Christ Church, Oxford

Cathedrals are experiencing a renaissance. Many have increasing attendance, particularly at major festivals; some are growing as centres for the arts, debate and education. Having been at Christ Church Cathedral for nine months, after eight years at St Paul’s, it’s interesting to examine what lies behind this.
 

One explanation is that cathedrals provide a safe space for those on the edge of church life. It’s noticeable that cathedrals can act as a bridge between organised religion and those on the fringe. When these are added to the regulars, international visitors, and occasional worshippers cathedral congregations are often a fascinating, eclectic mix.
 

This observation lies behind our new After Eight service. Centred round conversations with well-known visiting speakers, After Eight takes a thematic approach to worship. Services begin on 11 October with ‘Faithful Scientists’ in which leading figures from the world of science discuss the connections between science and religion. In November the ‘The Art of Faith’ will explore religious inspiration in the arts. The series planned for 2010 include a look at ‘The Subversive Jesus’ of the gospels, the place of ‘The Golden Rule’ across religions, and the spirituality of ‘Thin Places’ in the British Isles.

Speakers include author Geoffrey Moorhouse, Whitbread Prize winning poet Michael Symmons Roberts, children’s writer Julia Golding, imam Monawar Hussain, and musician Adrian Snell. One of the things I’ve appreciated most since coming to Christ Church is its wonderful architecture. While its layout can be frustrating for large services, it has an intimacy and atmosphere that few cathedrals can offer. This will be an important element in After Eight, which we hope will bring together committed Christians and those who are curious about religion.
 

If you’re yet to discover your beautiful cathedral, or would like to experience it in a new and interesting way, come along on Sundays at 8.00 pm during university terms. You’ll be very welcome, and hopefully will experience something special.
 

Canon Edmund Newell is Sub-Dean of Christ Church, Oxford, and was formerly Chancellor of St Paul’s Cathedral, London.