Anglican cathedrals and implicit religion: Softening the boundaries of sacred space through innovative events and installations

Citation

McKenna U, Francis LJ & Stewart F (2022) Anglican cathedrals and implicit religion: Softening the boundaries of sacred space through innovative events and installations. HTS Theological Studies, 78 (4). https://journals.co.za/doi/abs/10.4102/hts.v78i4.7827

Abstract
High profile (and controversial) events and installations, like the Helter-Skelter in Norwich and the Crazy Golf Bridges in Rochester, have drawn attention to innovation and public engagement within Anglican cathedrals. The present study contextualised these innovations both empirically and conceptually. The empirical framework draws on cathedral websites to chronicle the wide and diverse range of events and installations hosted by Anglican cathedrals in England and the Isle of Man between 2018 and 2022. The conceptual framework draws on Edward Bailey’s theory of implicit religion to classify and to explore these events and installations. Two insights from the theory of implicit religion emerged as of particular significance. First, the notion of implicit religion softens the boundaries between the sacred and the secular. This was exemplified by eight categories of events: scientific exhibitions, festivals, musical events, art exhibitions, theatre, markets, community events and installations. Second, the notion of implicit religion draws attention to the themes and activities that generate meaning and purpose. This was exemplified by seven themes: social justice and social conscience, violence and reconciliation, remembrance, migration and sanctuary, COVID-19 and lockdowns, personal well-being and nature and environment.

Keywords
cathedral studies; implicit religion; websites; sacred space; secular activities

Journal
HTS Theological Studies: Volume 78, Issue 4