(Image: Phoebe Abruzzese)
People have branded plans for a 90s silent disco at Durham Cathedral “sacrilegious”.
But others have leapt to the defence of the event, arguing the Church of England must find new ways to keep its buildings relevant and raise money for repairs.
The event, due to take place on January 15 next year, will see revellers invited to “dance beneath illuminated vaulted ceilings inside the cathedral after dark”.
The plans have sparked fierce debate among Northern Echo readers over whether a cathedral is suitable for a nightclub-style event.
The row began after Fr Marc Lyden-Smith, a Catholic parish priest in Sunderland and Sunderland Football Club chaplain, said he was “uneasy” about Durham Cathedral being presented as a 90s silent disco.
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, Durham Cathedral chief officer Andrew Usher said 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.”
The 12+ event will have a bar, while guests are asked to avoid stilettos and sharp heels to “help protect the historic cathedral floor”.
One reader said: “I'm inclined to agree. It's the Lord's house. It's sacrilegious.”
Another called it a “ludicrous idea in a bid to be trendy” and “totally inappropriate”.
A third reader said: “I agree with the priest – churches and cathedrals are not the place for this!”
But others said the event could keep the cathedral relevant and raise money.
One reader said: “I have no doubt that Jesus would've been in the queue for tickets – great use for a great space. I do have issues with a bar and certainly with the ticket price, but what an amazing idea.”
"Have fun, enjoy the building and come back in celebration of your God - worship in a way that suits you (without high heels!)."
Durham Cathedral (Image: Phoebe Abruzzese)
Another said: “We cannot all live in the past – religion evolves and the church must move if it is to remain relevant.
"As I said the Son of God that I knock around with would be more than happy for his fathers home to welcome people to enjoy the space - quite how this proposal threatens the building or others enjoyment of the space is beyond me.
"Let's rejoice and enjoy the space just as we enjoyed a helter skelter in Norwich Cathedral."
Another reader said: “Some churches are facing dwindling numbers, others not.
"Many people visit or use Durham Cathedral, and events such as this can only increase the relevance of Church buildings to those who might otherwise feel alienated.”
"Brilliant idea and may ideas continue to thrive in the Church of England in a search for relevance to the current generation," they added.
One reader added: “The CofE has to pay for repairs, so why not? As long as artefacts don't get damaged during the dancing.”
Another said: “They organise such events so people do not have to pay to visit the cathedral. Look at what you pay to visit York Minster and St Paul’s Cathedral.”
"Unfortunately events like this can’t be held in Sunderland as they don't have a cathedral!"
Durham Cathedral (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)
However, another reader said the event showed a lack of respect for the cathedral as a sacred space.
They said: "It is clear we are not going to be allowed sacred spaces anymore last time I was in Durham Cathedral people were walking around with food and drink and telling other people to move because they were spoiling a photo.
"People were going in to light candles for their beloved dead and zero respect was shown to them.
"There are plenty of places to lark around and get content for your Instagram a Holy place is not one of them I am not a Muslim or a Jewish person or any other religion you can name but I would NEVER disrespect anyone's place of worship or grave yards or memorials or anything else that mattered to someone else.
"Durham Cathedral and the people who venerate it as a Holy Space are being disrespected if this goes through worse will follow I think it stinks."
Tickets cost £26.95 plus a £3.91 booking fee, rising to £65.90 plus a £9.56 fee for a package deal.
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Andrew Usher, Durham Cathedral’s chief officer for visitor experience and enterprise, defended the decision.
He 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 discovering 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.”