York Minster closes to the public, with worship offered online
We are now closed for public services, private prayer and sightseeing. We will also continue to livestream Sunday services at 11am and 4pm via our YouTube channel, so you can join the services from home.
York Minster has closed to the public from today (Tuesday 12 January) until further notice in response to the Coronavirus pandemic.
The cathedral closed to sightseeing visitors on 31 December when York moved into tier three, but has now also closed for public services and private prayer.
Clergy will continue to offer prayer on a daily basis. You are welcome to join the Minster Community on Zoom to offer Morning and Evening Prayer, Monday to Friday at 8am and 5pm. These are simple, said services comprising the Daily Offices which are normally said in the Cathedral. We would be glad to welcome you to the community.
If you would like to find out more about joining the praying community at York Minster please email Canon Maggie McLean who will be pleased to tell you more missioner@yorkminster.org.
Services will be livestreamed on Sundays so people can join worship from their homes.
The Dean of York, The Right Revd Dr Jonathan Frost, said: “We feel this is the right decision in the current climate to keep our staff, volunteers, visitors and congregations safe.
“We will review the decision on a regular basis. In the meantime, our clergy will continue to keep the regular pattern of daily prayer and we will continue to offer worship online so people can join us from the comfort of their own homes.”
Members of the public can send a prayer to be said by a member of the clergy by emailing prayer@yorkminster.org.
Dean’s Park, the green space to the north of the cathedral, will remain open on a daily basis from 10am to 4pm.
UPDATE: Services and sightseeing throughout the National Lockdown
Amended timings for private prayer and services at York Minster
Please find amended timings for services and private prayer in line with the Government’s new measures to control the pandemic. The cathedral will remain open for public worship and for private prayer. However, the building will be closed for sightseeing until further notice.
Booking is required for Matins, Eucharist and Evening Prayer on Sundays and free tickets are available here. Eucharist and Evening Prayer are livestreamed every Sunday via our YouTube channel.
The new timings for services and public prayer up to and including Friday 5 March are as follows:
Tuesday 5th January
07:30: Morning Prayer
07:50: Holy Communion
Closed for private prayer
17:30: Evening Prayer
Wednesday 6th January, Epiphany:
07:30: Morning Prayer
07:50: Holy Communion
12:00 – Midday Communion cancelled
15:00 – 16:30: open for Private Prayer (Nave)
16:00: Evening Prayer (Zouche)
17:30: Epiphany Eucharist (Nave)
Thursday 7th January:
07:30: Morning Prayer
07:50: Holy Communion
16:30 – 17:30 open for Private Prayer (Nave)
17:30: Evening Prayer (Nave)
Friday 8th January:
07:30: Morning Prayer
07:50: Holy Communion
16:30 – 17:30 open for Private Prayer (Nave)
17:30: Evening Prayer (Nave)
Saturday 9th January:
07:30: Morning Prayer
07:50: Holy Communion
16:30: open for Private Prayer (Nave)
17:30: Evening Prayer (Nave)
Sunday 10th January:
08:00: BCP Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:00: Matins (Quire) (with adult choir)
11:00: Eucharist (Nave) (with adult choir)
14:00 – 15:00: Private Prayer (Nave)
16:00: Evensong (Nave) (with adult choir)
Monday 11th January:
07:30: Morning Prayer
07:50: Holy Communion
16:30 – 17:30: open for Private Prayer
17:30: Evening Prayer
Tuesday 12th January:
07:30: Morning Prayer
07:50: Holy Communion
16:30 – 17:30: open for Private Prayer
17:30: Evening Prayer
Wednesday 13th January
07:30: Morning Prayer
07:50: Holy Communion
16:30 – 17:30: open for Private Prayer
17:30: Evening Prayer
Thursday 14th January to Friday 5th March:
Monday – Saturday:
07:30: Morning Prayer
07:50: Holy Communion
16:30 – 17:30: open for Private Prayer
17:30: Evening Prayer
Sunday:
08:00: BCP Holy Communion (Lady Chapel)
10:00: Matins (Quire) (with adult choir)
11:00: Eucharist (Nave) (with adult choir)
14:00 – 15:00: Private Prayer (Nave)
16:00: Evensong (Nave) (with adult choir)
The Minster Shop will be closed from today until further notice, but our online shop remains open here. The Old Palace Library and Archive service is closed for public access: staff are working remotely, with limited capacity, and can be contacted via collections@yorkminster.org. Dean’s Park will continue to open daily from 10am until 4pm. People using the park will be required to adhere to Government guidance on social distancing.
Timings for services and public prayer will be regularly reviewed and updated.
York Minster Bells to stay silent on New Year’s Eve
The Chapter of York has confirmed that there will no bells at York Minster to ring in the New Year. The announcement reinforces the City of York’s strategy to prevent gatherings and maintain physical distancing in order to control the spread of the Covid-19 infection in the city of York and the wider region.
Recent Government guidance and direction from the Central Council of Bell Ringing, gives exceptional permission for bell ringing at places of worship on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day only, in line with local restrictions. The Tier 2 restrictions in York, allow only six bells to be rung at York Minster on those two days. Ringing on New Year’s Eve is not permitted.
The Revd Canon Vicky Johnson, Canon Precentor, at York Minster, said: “The Minster’s bell ringers will be taking a rest this New Year’s Eve and will be celebrating the arrival of 2021 in their homes. The automatic chimes on the Minster’s Great Peter Bell will be switched off as normal from 8pm until 8am.”
Urging everyone to bring in the New Year at home, Vicky continued:
“This most unusual and difficult year will draw to a very quiet close. The Minster will be quiet and still on New Year’s Eve. So for this year, we’re asking everyone not to gather at the Minster or elsewhere in the city. Please stay safe and celebrate the New Year at home with your loved ones.
“We must then all hope and pray that 2021 will be a better and kinder year.”
Consecration of the Bishop of Berwick – Tuesday 5 January 2021
The Venerable Mark Wroe, currently Archdeacon of Northumberland, will be consecrated as the next Suffragan Bishop of Berwick in the Diocese of Newcastle at York Minster at 11am on Tuesday 5 January 2021, the Eve of the Feast of the Epiphany.
The Archbishop of York, The Most Reverend Stephen Cottrell, will preside and preach at the service, assisted by the Bishop of Newcastle, the Right Revd Christine Hardman and the Bishop of Chester, the Right Revd Mark Tanner.
The consecration service will take place in the context of the Eucharist and will include readings, prayers, music and a sermon.
The service will be held under careful guidelines because of the Coronavirus pandemic with strict limits on the numbers attending.
The service will be live-streamed making it possible for Mark’s family and friends unable to be present and members of the worldwide Christian family to experience the occasion in real time.
Archbishop Stephen said: “I am delighted that Her Majesty The Queen has accepted the nomination of the Venerable Mark Wroe as the next Suffragan Bishop of Berwick. Mark has a heart for the people of God in the North East. His compassion, dedication and energy will inspire others in growing church and in building hope. I pray he will continue to be a blessing to the Diocese of Newcastle in his new role”.
Commenting on his forthcoming consecration, Mark said: “It’s an extraordinary privilege to become the Bishop of Berwick and humbling to be consecrated at York Minster on the eve of Epiphany. I am very much looking forward to serving God alongside Bishop Christine in a diocese I know and love.
“These continue to be challenging times, with so many people concerned for loved ones and livelihoods, yet the Church has such deep hope and joy in Jesus Christ to offer everyone. I look forward to working with all those in our communities who seek to work together for a more compassionate society, sharing our hope and faith in Christ with humility, wisdom and courage.”
The livestream for Mark’s consecration service will be available on the York Minster website from 11am on Tuesday 5 January 2021 at www.yorkminster.org. The Order of Service will also be available for download on the day.
Final public consultation for York Minster Neighbourhood Plan
The York Minster Precinct Neighbourhood Plan Pre-Submission document is published today for public consultation. This final phase of public consultation for the plan will run from today (16 December) until Sunday 14 February 2021.
This consultation consolidates the responses and proposals submitted as part of the Chapter of York’s announcement on the future of the York Minster Precinct launched in May 2018, and the subsequent draft Neighbourhood Plan developed with the oversight of the York Minster Precinct Neighbourhood Forum from 2019 until January 2020. The Coronavirus Pandemic has had a significant impact both on the schedule for the consultation process and on the Minster’s original proposals.
Alex McCallion, Director of Works and Precinct at York Minster explained:
“In January 2020, we consulted on the Pre-Submission Draft Neighbourhood Plan. The approved Plan was broadly very well received by the city with the principal comments focussed on highways and cycling within the Precinct. The process has been on hold since March 2020 in light of the Covid-19 crisis, a key consequence of which has been the closure of the Minster School.
“As a result, the Neighbourhood Plan needs to be amended to take account of the school estate which means a significant change to Area 1 of the Plan, the area to the south of the Minster. A principal change is the proposal to convert the Old Song School into a new Refectory as well as create new public space for residents and visitors to enjoy. A new ticket and box office will also be created. This is a material change to the Pre-Submission Draft and therefore we need to bring the Plan back to the Forum for comment before placing on public deposit.
Commenting on the consultation, Mark Calvert, a local resident and Chair of the York Minster Precinct Neighbourhood Forum, said the York Minster Neighbourhood Plan has always been about creating a more sustainable future for the Minster and its Precinct. Mark said:
“The Neighbourhood Plan will provide a long-term policy framework and a co-ordinated spatial plan. This will guide York Minster in managing its limited resources appropriately to maintain a viable and sustainable business model, to support the ongoing care of the Minster over the next 15 years and beyond. Importantly, the Neighbourhood Plan gives residents and businesses the opportunity to create a shared sustainable vision of how they would like the Precinct to develop over the next 15 years and this Plan is the culmination of almost three years work and 22 weeks of public consultation.
“This will be the last opportunity for people to have their say on the proposals before they go to City of York Council. I urge local residents to get involved in shaping this work.”
In May 2018, the Chapter of York, the governing body for York Minster, launched a public consultation on the future development and use of the buildings and land within the York Minster Precinct and boundaries.
Following consultation and detailed collaboration with the Minster’s immediate neighbours and statutory bodies, a neighbourhood forum, comprised of those who live and work in the Precinct, was established in 2019, to scrutinise the proposals to ensure that they were viable, sustainable and appropriate for the needs of the local community.
Now 66-strong, the York Minster Neighbourhood Forum, has given its formal approval for the Pre-Submission Document published today. Comments are particularly sought on:
- Revised Submission Draft Neighbourhood Plan
- The Updated Sustainability appraisal
- Heritage Impact Assessment.
How to respond to the consultation
- The public consultation on the York Minster Neighbourhood Precinct Plan – Pre Submission Draft runs from Wednesday 16 December until 12 midnight on Sunday 14th February 2021. To comment on the consultation online go to: https://yorkminster.org/about-us/master-planning/
- Consultation boards will also be part of a public exhibition at York Minster. The boards will be on display on the Queen’s Path, York Minster, during the consultation period.
Add your message to York Minster’s Christmas Trees
Join our What3Words Appeal
A recent and popular Advent and Christmas tradition at York Minster – decorating the cathedral’s Christmas trees with message tags from local people expressing their hopes, love and wishes for Advent and Christmas – will continue this year with a digital twist in the form of the What3Words Christmas appeal.
Neil Sanderson, Director of the York Minster Fund said:
“People loved coming to the Minster to write their messages on a little tag and see it tied on to one of our Christmas trees. Advent and Christmas is a time of celebration and joy but it can also be a poignant and tough time for many. Knowing that their special message would be present inside the cathedral right through until Epiphany was a source of great comfort for many people.
“This has been an extremely tough year. Everyone will be experiencing a different kind of Christmas. Our normal patterns and traditions have had to be adapted and we have had to find new ways of ensuring that people have that sense of presence in the Minster.
“Despite Advent being different this year, people have told us that they still want to get involved and that they still want their messages to be inside the Minster this Christmas. So we’re giving the tags a Christmassy and digital makeover with our “What3Words” Christmas appeal.”
Inspired by the what3words app, the Minster is inviting people to try to sum up their Christmas prayers, feelings or greetings in three words and then submit their message to us. Their three words will then be attached to a gold star and tied onto one of the Christmas trees in the Minster’s Nave.
Neil continued:
“Just as the star safely guided the three kings to the place where Jesus was born, today, the What3Words app guides modern rescuers to those who are lost. So we would like people to try express their message in three words: they could be names, prayers, a location – anything that gives expression to what they are feeling this Christmas. We would love people to tell their friends and family so that they can also have a star in the Minster this Christmas.
Concluding, Neil said: “We are grateful to what3words for inspiring our appeal and also to York Christmas Trees who generously donated the Christmas trees in the Nave, which will soon be decorated with What3Words messages.
“We want everyone to join in, it is completely free. However, we would very grateful for any donations that people are able to give. The Covid-19 restrictions are expected to cost the Minster £100,000 this Advent and Christmas. Public support is therefore more important than ever. Thank You.”
For more information about What3Words, York Minster’s Christmas Appeal for 2020 and how to submit a message to be tied onto the Minster’s Christmas trees go to stars.yorkminster.org
what3words is an app that points to a very specific location. Its developers divided the world into 57 trillion squares, each measuring 3m by 3m (10ft by 10ft) and each having a unique, randomly assigned three-word address. To find out more about What3words go to www.what3words.com
York Minster launches Chorister auditions for 2021
York school pupils currently in Year 3 and Year 4 and who love singing are encouraged to audition for a place in York Minster’s world famous choir and the chance to be educated at St Peter’s School, York, and the Choir School for York Minster since September 2020.
Children joining the choir, which is made up of 16 boys, 16 girls and 12 adult singers, will be part of an internationally renowned team of singers whose voices are an essential part of worship at the cathedral. The choristers are trained by Robert Sharpe, Director of Music at York Minster.
Choristers perform at services, high profile occasions, events and concerts. They will also have the opportunity to take part in broadcasts for national media organisations such as BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM, recordings for classical music labels and to tour abroad.
York Minster’s choristers receive an excellent education at St Peter’s School. The Chapter of York provides a bursary for each chorister with means-tested funding potentially increasing the level of funding to 100%.
Robert Sharpe explained that the process aims to identify children with musicality and potential, rather than recruiting fully formed singers. He said:
“There will be many parents in and around York with a son or daughter who just loves singing and who may be searching for ways to nurture their child’s ability. Becoming a chorister at York Minster is an excellent way to harness a child’s musical talent. Energy, enthusiasm and humour are just as important as musical talent.
“In addition to developing their musical skills, chorister training helps children to develop lifelong skills such as self-discipline, organisational skills, concentration, poise and attention to detail. Choristers are educated at St Peter’s School which shares a common foundation of 627AD with the Minster, and is the fourth oldest school in the world.
“This is a unique opportunity for a child to have a superb education and to play a part in the life of one of the most important and beautiful cathedrals in the world.”
Commenting on the auditions, Jeremy Walker, Head Master of St Peter’s School York said:
“The experience of being a chorister at York Minster, combined with an education at St Peter’s, offers wonderful opportunities for girls and boys with musical talents and interests. I have first-hand appreciation of the incredible experience this provides, as a former chorister parent myself and Head Master of two cathedral choir schools, and encourage you and your families to find out more and consider an application.”
About the 2021 Chorister Auditions
York Minster’s 2021 Chorister Auditions will be held in the week commencing 18th January 2021 at St Peter’s School, Clifton, York YO30 6AB. For an application pack and more details, contact Sara Bath, Master’s PA, on 01904 527391 or email s.bath@stpetersyork.org.uk
York Minster to reopen for Advent and Christmas
For all sight-seeing, book HERE. Please note the Heart of Yorkshire exhibition will recommence on 5 December.
For all Sunday services, book HERE
Full Advent and Christmas programme (in-person and online) available to view HERE
York Minster will reopen for public worship on Wednesday 2 December and for sightseeing visits on Thursday 3 December. The cathedral will reopen in line with guidance and the restrictions in the Government’s new three tier Covid control system. York is a Tier 2 location which allows the Minster to reopen for worship and for paying visitors, with appropriate measures in place for social distancing and controlling the spread of the infection.
The Revd Canon Vicky Johnson, Precentor at York Minster said: “It is a blessing and a relief that worship and visiting can restart at York Minster and that we will be present for people as they prepare for Advent and Christmas,.”
Vicky explained that the impact of the pandemic will result in a very different Advent and Christmas at York Minster. She said: “The ongoing need to control the virus means that capacity at services will be severely limited. Attendance at key services on Sundays and in Christmas Week will only be possible via our pre-booked online reservation system.
“However, digital worship has flourished at York Minster this year so all of our Advent and Christmas services and events, will be available digitally via livestream and on platforms such as YouTube and Facebook. So everyone will still be able to experience and enjoy Advent and Christmas at York Minster wherever they are.”
The cathedral’s reopening schedule is as follows:
For Worship
Public worship will restart at York Minster on Wednesday 2 December with the following pattern of services:
Monday – Saturdays
7.30am – Matins No booking required
7.50am – Holy Communion No booking required
5.30pm – Evensong or Evening Prayer No booking required until 15 December for Evensongs.
Sundays
8am – Holy Communion No booking required
10am – Matins Booking required
11am – Sung Eucharist Booking required
4pm – Evensong. Booking required.
Reservations for Sunday services and services during Christmas Week
Attendance at the three main Sunday services in December and services during Christmas Week will be by advance online reservation only with a strictly limited attendance. Reservations for the service on Sunday 6 December will open on Monday 30 November. The reservation dates for services during December and Christmas weeks will be announced approximately two weeks before the service is due to take place.
Reopening for Visitors
York Minster will reopen for paying visitors from Thursday 3 December. Admission by pre-booked online tickets only. Bookings open for visiting on Monday 30 November.
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
10am until 3.30pm (last timed ticket slot is 3pm).
(York Minster is currently closed on Tuesdays).
Sunday
12.30 until 2.30pm (last timed ticket slot is 2pm).
The Minster Shops inside the cathedral and at Minster Gates will also open daily:
Main Shop
Mon – Sat : 10:30 – 4:30
Sunday : 12:30 – 4:00
No9
Mon – Sat : 10:30 – 4:30
Sunday : 11:00 – 4:00
Dean’s Park,
The popular green space which runs along the north side of the cathedral, is open daily from 10am until 4pm.
Keeping people safe: Covid-19 control measures at York Minster
In line with Government and Church of England guidance, York Minster has implemented a range of measures to help keep visitors and staff safe. These include:
- compulsory wearing of masks inside the Minster
- limiting the number of people allowed inside
- reduced seating
- a one-way system to allow people to physically distance from one another
- hand sanitizer points
- additional cleaning measures
- staff and clergy wearing face masks and visors
- worshippers attending public services will also be asked to leave their name and contact details to assist with the NHS Test and Trace programme, in line with Government guidance.
Changes to services include no singing or sharing of the Peace and the suspension of the Common Cup during Holy Communion will continue. There will also be no plate collection at the end of services, although people are encouraged to make a donation using contactless donation points inside the cathedral.
Parts of the cathedral will remain closed including the Central Tower and Undercroft Museum and there will be no guided tours.
The Minster has been approved for the UK-wide ‘We’re Good To Go’ industry standard, launched this week by national tourism organisations for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, which demonstrates it is adhering to the respective Government and public health guidance.
York Minster’s arrangements for worship and visiting will come into effect from Wednesday 2 December but may be subject to change following any further Government advice.
Announcement of the Royal Patronage of York Minster Fund
The Trustees of York Minster Fund are delighted to announce that HRH The Prince of Wales has agreed to be the Patron of York Minster Fund.
Founded in 1967, York Minster Fund operates as the lead fundraising body for the Chapter of York and York Minster. It looks to support the Chapter in all its endeavours, especially in the maintenance and restoration of York Minster.
At present The Fund supports 5 major areas of activities:
- A 10 year project to restore the Minster’s South Quire including St Cuthbert’s Windows
- A 20 year project to fit protective glazing to all the Minster’s medieval windows, delivered in partnership with York Glaziers Trust
- The restoration of the York Minster Grand Organ
- The maintenance of restoration skills through apprenticeship programmes with both the Minster’s Stoneyard and York Glaziers Trust
- The introduction of new technologies in a heritage context through the Fund’s R&D project.
Looking forward, YMF will continue to support the Minster as it recovers from the financial shock of the Covid 19 crisis.
Commenting on the announcement, Richard Shaw, Chair of YMF Trustees said:
“For over 50 years, York Minster Fund has supported the work of the Chapter of York. We are thankful now for the far sightedness of our founding trustees because it has enabled us to continue to support the Minster’s dedicated and skilled staff in their restoration and preservation projects in spite of the unprecedented loss of income caused by the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.
“We are delighted that HRH The Prince of Wales has agreed to support us in our work to restore the magnificence of the Minster, to maintain the skills which preserve it, and to develop the facilities and skills needed by future generations”.
The Right Rev’d Dr Jonathan Frost, Dean of York commented:
“York Minster is a treasure at the heart of York, Yorkshire and the North. It stands as a symbol of continuity, faith and witness. Every time I enter the Minster, I have a strong sense, both joyful and overwhelming, of responsibility to hand on this great gift to future generations.
“York Minster Fund has been a valued partner, and friend to the Minster down the years and especially through the recent pandemic crisis. I am delighted that HRH The Prince of Wales, has graciously agreed to be our Patron and I look forward to welcoming him back to a place he knows well. I know that the York Minster Fund team and its vast company of supporters, will be delighted by this news.”
Once-a-century project to refurbish York Minster’s Grand Organ enters final phase
York Minster’s once-a-century project to refurbish its Grand Organ is entering its final phase, as work to clean the newly revealed Pulpitum – known as the ‘Kings’ Screen’ – nears completion and the process to voice the instrument’s pipes begins.
During October the scaffolding which has surrounded the Grand Organ since July 2018 was removed, revealing the distinctive 15th century stone screen which separates the cathedral’s Quire from its Nave for the first time in two years.
Conservation experts are using museum grade vacuums and brushes to clean years of dirt and dust from the detailed carvings and delicate decoration of the Pulpitum, which is known as the King’s Screen because of the 15 stone statues of medieval monarchs it contains.
Work has also begun this month to ‘voice’ the instrument, a process to ensure all the organ pipes, which number more than 5,000, are playing the correct pitch, tone and volume.
The voicing is being carried out by specialists from organ builders Harrison and Harrison and will take place over several weeks between November and March, with the hope that the fully refurbished instrument will be back in use by spring 2021.
Alex McCallion, York Minster’s Director of Works and Precinct, said: “We’re thrilled the work on this once-a-century project is entering its final stages, allowing us to see the beautiful detail of the Pulpitum unveiled again and start to hear the pipes play again for the first time in more than two years.”
The process to voice the organ is the final stage in the £2m project and is done entirely by ear. Each pipe in the organ, which range from the size of a pencil to 10m long, plays an individual note, and the voicer’s job is to ensure all the pipes in each stop are playing the right pitch, tone and volume.
Andrew Scott, Head Voicer and Director at Harrison and Harrison Organ Builders, said: “Voicing is the name given to the process that happens once in a generation when an organ is given its musical personality.
“In many ways, it is a similar sounding process to regular tuning but whereas tuning is the correction of pitch, voicing alters the physical parameters of each pipe, such as the tone and volume.
“Rather like a choir director moulds the ensemble from the individual voices assembled in the choir, the voicer’s art is to ensure all of the pipes in each stop are speaking harmoniously to create the tonal architecture of the organ’s ensemble.”
Work on the once-a-century refurbishment began in October 2018, when the organ, including nearly all of its 5,000+ pipes, was removed and taken to the Harrison and Harrison organ workshop in Durham for cleaning, repair and replacement.
Parts of the instrument were returned to the cathedral at the end of 2019 and in January this year, before it was rebuilt over the summer.
It is the first time a project of this scale has been undertaken on the instrument since the last major refurbishment in 1903.
York Minster is currently closed for sightseeing and public worship but open six days a week for private prayer, from 10am – 12noon Monday to Saturday (excluding Tuesday) and 1pm – 3pm on Sundays. It is also broadcasting its worship online – see www.yorkminster.org for further details.
Work on the Grand Organ project has been able to continue during the lockdown period, in line with Government guidance.
Advent Webinar Series from York Minster: Apocalypse Now (and then)
Apocalypse Now (and then): Stories from the Great East Window
Spectacular stained glass panels contained within York Minster’s Great East Window – the renowned medieval masterpiece created by John Thornton in the 15th century – will be the focus of a new webinar series of Advent Reflections to be hosted by York Minster in November and December.
Four outstanding speakers will each take one panel of the medieval window to explore the traditional Advent themes of Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell – known as The Four Last Things – challenging contemporary views of the Advent and Christmas season.
Commenting on the webinar series, Maggie McLean, York Minster’s Canon Missioner said:
“In its history, York has known turbulent times. Not long after plague ravaged the city, John Thornton began his work on the Great East Window, depicting its themes of creation and apocalypse in exquisite stained glass.
“Our speakers will reflect on the theology depicted in the Great East Window – Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell – themes which resonate as much today as they did when this window was made.”
Broadcast live via webinar across four weeks, each speaker will give a short presentation, followed by discussion and Q&A online. The dates and speakers are:
Thursday 26th November at 3pm – Death
Professor John Swinton, Professor in Practical Theology & Pastoral Care; Chair in Divinity and Religious Studies, University of Aberdeen.
Thursday 3rd December at 7.30pm – Judgement
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell.
Thursday 10th December at 7.30pm – Heaven
Dr Paula Gooder.
Thursday 17th December at 3pm – Hell
The Bishop of Hull, the Right Reverend Alison White.
Meet the speakers
Professor John Swinton
Professor in Practical Theology & Pastoral Care; Chair in Divinity and Religious Studies at the University of Aberdeen
John Swinton is Professor in Practical Theology and Pastoral Care and Chair in Divinity and Religious Studies at the University of Aberdeen. For more than a decade John worked as a registered mental health nurse. He also worked for a number of years as a hospital and community mental health Chaplain alongside of people with severe mental health challenges who were moving from the hospital into the community. In 2004, he founded the University of Aberdeen’s Centre for Spirituality, Health and Disability. The Centre aims to enable academics, researchers, practitioners and educators to work together to develop innovative and creative research projects and teaching initiatives within the areas of spirituality, health and healing, the significance of the spiritual dimension for contemporary healthcare practices and the theology of disability. He has published widely within the area of mental health, dementia, disability theology, spirituality and healthcare, qualitative research and pastoral care. John is the author of a number of monographs including Dementia: Living in the memories of God for which he won the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Ramsey Prize for excellence in theological writing.
The Most Reverend Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York
Stephen Cottrell is the Archbishop of York, and has previously served as the Bishop of Chelmsford, Bishop of Reading, Canon Pastor at Peterborough Cathedral and Diocesan Missioner for the Diocese of Wakefield. He served in parishes in South London and Chichester. He is a member of the Church of England’s Committee for Minority Ethnic Concerns, and Chair of Church Army, an Anglican society for evangelism and social outreach. He is a member of the House of Lords. He is a well-known writer and speaker on evangelism, spirituality and catechesis. His latest book, On Priesthood, is based on addresses given to ordinands on the night before ordination. He is married to Rebecca who is a potter, and they have three sons and one grandson.
Dr Paula Gooder
Paula Gooder is a speaker and writer on the Bible, particularly on the New Testament. She began her working life, teaching for twelve years in ministerial formation first at Ripon College Cuddesdon, Oxford and then at the Queen’s Foundation for Ecumenical Theological Education in Birmingham. Following this she spent around eight years as a speaker and writer in biblical studies travelling the country and seeking to communicate the best of biblical scholarship in as accessible a way as possible, after that she spent six years working for the Bible Society as their Theologian in Residence and then for the Birmingham Diocese as their Director of Mission Learning and Development. She is currently the Chancellor of St Paul’s Cathedral in London.
The Right Reverend Alison White, Bishop of Hull
Alison White was brought up in London before pursuing her love of English literature which she studied as an undergraduate in Durham. She subsequently went on to explore theology both in Durham and Leeds Universities. She was ordained in 1986 and then worked in the Diocese of Durham in parishes, then as Adviser in Local Mission, Director of Mission and Pastoral Studies at Cranmer Hall, and as Director of Ordinands. She was subsequently a member of the national Archbishops’ Springboard Team. Then in the Diocese of Peterborough, where she moved when her husband Frank was made Bishop of Brixworth in 2002, she served as Co-ordinator of Curates’ training and was an honorary Canon of the Cathedral. Alison has served in a variety of roles on national Boards and committees, with a focus on vocation, spirituality and mission. She has combined work widely in teaching, spiritual direction, retreats and theological consultancy. In 2010 she and Frank moved to the Diocese of Newcastle where Alison served as Priest in Charge of St James’, Riding Mill and Diocesan Adviser in Spirituality and Spiritual Direction. She was concurrently honorary Canon Theologian of Sheffield Cathedral. In 2015 she was appointed as Bishop of Hull. Alison has a fondness for time with friends, walking and bookshops.
York Minster’s private prayer and digital services for lockdown
York Minster will close for services and sightseeing from this evening until at least Wednesday 2 December, in line with the Government’s new measures to control the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
The Minster will continue to offer Christian worship, fellowship, music and reflection through its digital channels during the lockdown.
We will be livestreaming our 11am Eucharist and 4pm Evensong services every Sunday. You can find the Sunday livestreams HERE
The cathedral itself will only be open for private prayer. Dean’s Park will stay open and people using the park will be required to adhere to Government guidance on social distancing.
Commenting on the second national lockdown, The Dean of York, Jonathan Frost said: “Once again we find ourselves facing challenging times in the life of our nation. It is a moment that will require every one of us to make sacrifices to keep our loved ones and our communities safe. This second lockdown will undoubtedly draw out of us, new acts of neighbourliness, thoughtfulness and mutual support.
“This time round, we are better prepared as a nation and as a Church, to support and carry each other through this phase. I am delighted that the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, has encouraged all of us to make this second period of lockdown a time of prayer. It is my hope that the Minster’s many friends across the city and the north will find encouragement for their prayers in the resources available on the websites of both York Minster and the Church of England.
“The Church will continue in a host of ways: through its support of food banks, through its care for the bereaved and the lonely and in prayer for the nation and its leaders at this time. We look forward to reopening on 2 December.”
From Thursday 5 November until Tuesday 1 December, York Minster will be open as follows:
For private prayer only (except Tuesdays when the Minster is closed all day)
- 10am until 12 noon on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays
- 1pm until 3pm on Sunday
Dean’s Park
- Open from 10am until 4pm (closing at dusk).
Essential construction activity at York Minster such as work on the South Quire Aisle and the final phases of the restoration of the Grand Organ, will continue in line with Government guidance. The majority of the Minster’s staff will be put on furlough with the remainder working from home.