Gathedrals enjoyed a record Christmas attendance, as the millennial generation of festivals that were passionate about the new experience helped the festival congregation.
According to statistics released by the Church of England, 135,000 people were worshipped in the cathedral on Christmas Eve and Christmas last year – an increase of 3% over last year, the highest since records began in 2000.
The number of service attendees declined slightly in 2017, reaching 576,000, a decrease of 9% from the 631,000 at the beginning of the 2014 record.
However, the church said that it may be affected on the eve of Christmas last year, which effectively shortened the temporary period.
In Adrian Dolber, Dean of Lichfield Cathedral in Staffordshire, he saw more young people coming to his cathedral to participate in the cathedral lighting exhibition and other activities, the facade was lit A holiday luminous projection.
He said that he feels that these services attract young people who are attracted to community activities such as music festivals and are more “spiritually curious” than previous generations.
Mr. Dober said: “I think there is a general experience.” “Look at the way my teenagers and adult children come from friendship groups, often doing things during the festival, where you can experience what you really agree with the community. And sound and express your identity.
“I think this can be turned into Christmas.”
Another cathedral that has seen a significant increase in Christmas attendance is the Ely Cathedral in Cambridgeshire, which has grown by 31% since 2015.
Eric Dean Mark Bonney attributed the surge in membership to a focus on new services for children and families, including Christmas tree lights and urban Christmas markets.
Mr. Bonney said: “For Christians, Christmas is a very special part of the year. We have made extra efforts to share our work, especially through social media, to encourage sharing of our choir’s exquisite products. Also share the invitation to worship together.”
Data from the Church of England also showed a significant increase in the number of people attending mid-week services in recent years.
Last year, 18,000 people participated in medium-term services each week, compared with 7,000 in 2000.
The digital part of the church is attributed to the increased pressure on modern life in the mid-week congregation, which means more people find it more convenient to attend services after work than on a busy Sunday morning.
Mr. Dolber said: “Sunday is getting crowded, partly because of the pressure of modern life. If you can choose Sunday morning, then many people will easily catch it.”
