(Image: UGC/ NORTHERN ECHO)
A priest has hit out at plans to turn Durham Cathedral into a 90s silent disco, saying there are “many places for dancing” and questioning whether a cathedral is the right venue.
Fr Marc Lyden-Smith, Catholic Parish Priest in Sunderland and chaplain to Sunderland Football Club, said he was “uneasy” seeing the cathedral presented as a 90s silent disco.
The event, to be held on January 15 next year, is a 90s silent disco inside Durham Cathedral where you can 'dance beneath illuminated vaulted ceilings inside the cathedral after dark'
Fr Marc Lyden-Smith (Image: UGC)
He said: "I find myself uneasy seeing Durham Cathedral presented as a 90s nightclub. This is not simply an impressive medieval building; it is a place of prayer, pilgrimage and encounter with God.
"Here we honour St Cuthbert, whose life was rooted in prayer, and St Bede, who spent his life seeking truth and holiness. Our churches should be places where the sacred is protected and cherished.
"There are many places for dancing; I think a cathedral carries a different memory and purpose."
However, Andrew Usher of Durham Cathedral has said that the event was "carefully considered to ensure it is appropriate to the setting and respects the Cathedral's mission as a living church, with worship and prayer remaining at the heart of everything we do.”
Durham Cathedral (Image: Phoebe Abruzzese)
The father's comments sparked a string of reactions on Twitter, with some calling for the event to be cancelled.
One person said: "Shocking decision. There are loads of venues which could be nightclubs. Cathedrals are supposed to be sacred places for prayer and reflection. Durham Cathedral should cancel this immediately."
Another said: "Hard pass. There's plenty of spaces for a rave, Durham Cathedral certainly isn't one of them."
Another commenter said: "I wrote my dissertation in theology and religion (BA) on “The Decline of Christianity in County Durham”. I’m not a man of religion myself, but the data trends were showing this was always going to be the case Father."
Durham Cathedral (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)
But others defended the use of the cathedral as an events venue.
One person said: "I don’t see the problem if it means maintaining the cathedral. For many of us, music is a spiritual thing. I have seen a Fleetwood Mac tribute band in Durham Cathedral."
The listing states that there will be a bar at the 12+ event and asked that people avoid stilettos or sharp high heels to 'help protect the historic cathedral floor'.
Durham Cathedral defended its approach to hosting events.
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Andrew Usher, chief officer of visitor experience and enterprise, said: “Durham Cathedral has been a place of worship, pilgrimage and community for almost 1,000 years. Many visitors first encounter the Cathedral through events and experiences, before going on to discover more about the Christian faith, worship, history and heritage.
“Every event hosted within the Cathedral is carefully considered to ensure it is appropriate to the setting and respects the Cathedral's mission as a living church, with worship and prayer remaining at the heart of everything we do.”
Tickets start from £26.95 plus a £3.91 booking fee and go up to £65.90 plus a £9.56 booking fee for a package deal.