A message from the Dean

Chester Cathedral will follow Christ through Discovery, Encounter and Faith

Chester Cathedral has been built by generations of people expressing their Christian faith. The cathedral stands in the Benedictine tradition of hospitality and welcome. It continues to be a living and working church where diverse people can gather to worship God and out of which a faithful community seeks to offer loving service to society.

Visitors to Chester Cathedral will find at first sight a magnificent building and an awe-inspiring place filled with beauty. On second glance they may begin to appreciate some greater significance in what they see. The more opportunity people are given to discover the stories of this place at their own pace and in their own way, the more they will find.

The Cathedral is not only filled with things, however. This is a place where people gather and do some journeying in company with one another. It is easy to get lost, or feel lonely in any community. If we are to be a place of encounter then every person who visits will need to feel valued and respected. Furthermore, this is a sacred space in which there is a real sense of the Kingdom of God. Visitors who want it should find space simply to be quiet and think.

The opportunity to discover something new may lead to a first step through the doors. Encountering others who work and gather here and encountering God can follow. For some there may be a further step of faith still to be taken. Through invitation to worship, faithfulness to the Gospel and confident witness to Jesus Christ we need to help those who come to inquire about or explore Christian faith.

The Very Revd Dr Tim Stratford
Dean of Chester