York Minster’s Christmas Tree Festival opens inside the medieval cathedral

The York Minster Christmas Tree Festival is returning to the cathedral this Advent and Christmas following the success of the first festival in 2021, with this year’s event taking place inside the medieval Minster.

The festival, which will open on Saturday 3 December with a special service for families, will feature nearly 40 trees decorated by local businesses, schools and charities set inside the cathedral’s stunning Chapter House and Lady Chapel.

Visitors will be able to see the trees decorated to individual themes, vote for their favourite tree in a ‘best dressed tree’ competition and add their own Christmas message to a tag to hang on one of the festival’s prayer trees.

The festival will open at 10am on Saturday 3 December with a special Saturday Mornings at York Minster session for families, which will include a short service in celebration of the festival opening.

Neil Sanderson, Director of the York Minster Fund, said: “We’re delighted to see the Christmas Tree Festival return for a second year following the success of the 2021 event.

“This year the festival will take place inside the Minster, with trees set inside the spectacular, medieval Chapter House and Lady Chapel.

“Nearly 40 trees will be decorated to individual themes, taking inspiration from a range of topics including seasonal stories, nature and festive traditions, and featuring diverse decorations from handcrafted items, to mythical creatures and Yorkshire inspired decorations.  We hope the event will again spread some seasonal cheer while supporting one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals.”

The trees for the festival have been provided by award-winning local company York Christmas Trees.

Through out the festival’s run, visitors will be able to vote for their favourite tree with the winning charity or school receiving a £200 prize and the winning business £200 to donate to a charity of their choice.

The Christmas Tree Festival will run from Saturday 3 December 2022 to Thursday 5 January 2023 during general admission times (please check opening times on the website before visiting). Entry is included with general admission (general admission is free for York residents with proof of address).

The festival forms part of a busy programme of services and events at the cathedral to mark Advent and Christmas. For full details visit yorkminster.org/whats-on/.  

Ceremony to unveil and bless York Minster’s new statue of Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, postponed

A statement from York Minster:

The ceremony to unveil and bless a new statue of Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II at York Minster on Friday (23 September) has been postponed, as a mark of respect for the period of Royal Mourning. A new date to unveil and bless the statue will be announced in due course.

York Minster’s Services Commemorating Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II

As the period of national mourning for Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II continues, York Minster today confirmed the arrangements for special services, signing the Books of Condolence and the national one minute’s silence in honour of the late Queen.

The Acting Dean of York, The Revd Canon Michael Smith said:  “Many thousands of people have visited the Minster since the death of Queen Elizabeth was announced last week. The historic significance of her reign, her constancy in our lives, and the grief and sadness of the Royal Family has evoked feelings of great sympathy, and remembrance of our own loved ones who have died.

“As the State Funeral approaches, we anticipate that many people will want to come to the Minster to give thanks for the life and mourn the death of this remarkable woman.”

For the remainder of the official period of mourning, the following services will take place at York Minster as we invite people from across Yorkshire and the North to commemorate the late Queen, sign the Books of Condolence and pray for King Charles III and the Royal Family.  All are welcome.

Daily services will take place at 7.30 and 7.50am and 12noon. There will be a special service of Choral Evensong each day at 5.30pm. Outside of service times, the Books of Condolence will be open for signing from 9.30am until 7.30pm when the Minster will close for the day (see details below).

Saturday 17 September

5.30pm – Commemorative Service of Evensong for Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II

This Evensong Service with special prayers and music will take place in the Nave to commemorate and give thanks for the life of the late Queen.

This service will also be livestreamed

Full details and the livestream can be found here 

Books of Condolence open for signing until 4.00pm, and then after the Evensong service from 6.20pm to 7.30pm.

Sunday 18 September

8am     –           Holy Communion

10am   –           Matins

11am   –           Choral Eucharist.

This service will be livestreamed.

Full details and the livestream can be found here 

Books of Condolence open for signing from 12.30 until 2.15pm and 6.30pm until 8pm.

4pm – Civic Service of Commemoration for Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II

Led by the Acting Dean of York, The Revd Canon Michael Smith, this is the City of York’s civic service honouring the life and service of the late Queen.  Councillors and Aldermen from City of York Council will process into the Minster ahead of the service.  There will be special music and prayers for the late Queen, the new King and the Royal Family.

This service will also be livestreamed

Full details and the livestream can be found here 

 8pm – National Moment of Reflection

At a few minutes before the hour, people queuing inside and outside the Minster will be invited by members of the cathedral’s clergy to prepare for the national one minute silence in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth.  The minute’s silence will commence as the Minster’s Great Peter Bell strikes the final chime on the hour.

Monday 19 September – The State Funeral

Daily services will take place at 7.30am and 7.50am, 12 noon and Evening Prayer at 5.30pm. Outside of each service the Book of Condolence will be open for the final day from 9.30am until 7.30pm.

The Death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II Commemoration and Thanksgiving for the life of the late Monarch

Following the announcement yesterday of the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 96, York Minster has confirmed the arrangements for people to visit the cathedral for prayer, reflection, to lay floral tributes and to sign the Books of Condolence in memory of the late Queen.

The Acting Dean of York, The Revd Canon Michael Smith said:

“This week, York Minster will help the people of the city and the region to pay their respects, to say farewell and to give thanks for the life of an extraordinary human being. For more than 70 years, the late Queen Elizabeth II dedicated her long life to service on behalf of the citizens of her country, the Commonwealth and to the world.  Her reassuring, calm and intelligent presence through seven momentous decades of history, turmoil and change is all that many of us have ever known.  Today, we must come to terms with the enormity of her death, and as we mourn, to give thanks that the Christian faith which sustained her in life also gave her confidence that she remains held in God’s love now and for ever.

“There will be great sadness for the nation and for the Royal Family who are mourning the loss of a mother, grandmother and great-grand mother – a much loved family member.  But there will also be memories, honour and gratitude for a remarkable life that was so well lived.”

Prayers will be said for the late Queen and for the Royal Family at all services and throughout the day.

The arrangements at York Minster are as follows:

Friday 9^th September

The Flag of the Cross of St George is at half-mast on the North West tower.

12noon            Great Peter to be tolled.

12.00pm          Holy Communion in the Nave.

2.00pm            Hourly Prayer.

3.00pm            Hourly Prayer.

5.30pm            Choral Evensong with the Choir of York Minster and specially selected music and prayers.

7.30pm            The Minster and Dean’s Park close for the day.

This pattern of worship and prayer will follow throughout the official period of national mourning. All are welcome to the Minster to pray or reflect.

The pattern of worship Monday to Saturday can be found here.

The pattern of worship on Sundays can be found here.

Other dates of note/special services

There will be special prayers for the late Queen throughout the period.

In line with the official proclamation on Saturday 10^th September, the Flag of St. George will be raised to full mast.

On Sunday 11^th September, the Archbishop of York will preach and preside at the 11 am Eucharist where there will be appropriate hymns and prayers. The Archbishop will also sign the Book of Condolence.

On Saturday 17^th September at 5.30pm a special commemorative service of Choral Evensong will be held for the late Queen.  All are invited.

On Sunday 18^th September, a civic commemoration service in the nave of York Minster will take place at 4.00pm. All are invited.

Information about leaving floral tributes can be found here.

Next phase of College Green works to begin

College Green, an open green space located within the York Minster precinct, will be closed to the public from next Monday (12^th September), until Easter 2022, to allow phase two of the scheme approved by City of York Council in December 2021 and delivered in partnership with York Minster, York BID, and Make It York.

The delivery of the College Green improvements will provide a revitalised public space in the city centre, cared for by York Minster’s gardeners. Alongside extensive planting and landscaping, it will involve the installation of a stone feature bench and the introduction of accessible seating.

Forming part of the York Minster Neighbourhood Plan, which was recently adopted by City of York Council, the works will help meet the overall Neighbourhood Plan objectives of “greening the precinct” by maintaining and enhancing biodiversity.

Phase 1 of the project included the removal of trees which had reached the end of their lives and were replaced by eight new cherry trees, creating a tree-lined walkway which will become a focal point in the spring and autumn each year.

Native species of wildflower will also be planted to provide an additional food source for butterflies and bees.

Alex McCallion, Director of Works and Precinct at York Minster, said: “Set against the backdrop of the Minster, College Green is a stunning location in York City Centre, and we’re excited to begin phase two of our plans to further enhance our public realm. The success of the recent ‘pop up’ parks hosted by York BID and other stakeholders have demonstrated what an important space College Green is for the city. However, the space is not currently fulfilling the potential that it has to offer a unique, family-friendly place for contemplation and enjoyment.

“Through increasing the provision of accessible seating and providing additional permanent stone seating for the area, we seek to provide a high-quality green space for both residents and visitors to enjoy, further cementing the Minster’s reputation as a lynchpin of cultural identity and daily life in the city of York.”

Andrew Lowson, Director or York BID, said: “We’re thrilled to see the next phase of College Green come to fruition and we’re proud to have been the driving force behind this project. College Green is an excellent example of how effective partnership working delivers better outcomes for the city, and the BID would like to thank the teams at York Minster and PWP Design for bringing this project to life.”

The project is an example of a true city partnership and funded by Chapter of York, York Minster Fund, Friends of York Minster York BID, and Make It York.

For more information on the Neighbourhood Plan, please visit: https://yorkminster.org/about-us/master-planning/.

Could your child be a chorister at York Minster?

York school pupils currently in Year 3, 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, the choir school for York Minster since September 2020. Formal singing experience is not required.

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, to be involved in recordings for classical music labels, and to tour abroad.

York Minster’s choristers receive an outstanding education at St Peter’s School. The Chapter of York provides a substantial scholarship for each chorister towards school fees. Additional means-tested bursaries may potentially increase 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 wonderful experience of being a chorister at York Minster, combined with an outstanding education at St Peter’s, offers excellent and often life-changing 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.”

The new choristers will join York Minster Choir from September 2023.

About the 2023 Chorister Auditions

York Minster’s 2023 Chorister Auditions will be held in the week commencing 16 January 2023 at St Peter’s School, Clifton, York YO30 6AB. The deadline for applications is 31 December 2022. 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 installs solar tiles in historic first

A ceremony has been held at York Minster to mark the installation of solar tiles on the roof of its Refectory building.

Attended by City of York Council members, including Cllr Paula Widdowson, Executive Member for Environment and Climate Change, the ceremony included a dedication by Acting Dean, The Rvd Canon Michael Smith.

This signals the first time that solar tiles have been installed on a listed building in the city and follows extensive consultations between York Minster, City of York Council and Historic England.

Brought to site following a successful planning decision in December 2022, the Refectory, located at 2 Deangate, is the first major project in the recently adopted York Minster Neighbourhood Plan. The former site of The Minster School, it is in the process of being transformed into a refectory-style restaurant café, and is set to open in 2023.

The Neighbourhood Plan forms part of York’s statutory development plan and sets out a 15-year route map to create a sustainable future for the Minster and its surrounding Precinct. It is the first time that a Neighbourhood Plan has been used to map the future care of a cathedral or heritage estate.

The discreetly placed solar tiles will produce approximately 10,000 kilowatt-hours of power every year and will support the Minster’s ambitions to achieve operational net zero carbon, as outlined in the Neighbourhood Plan.

Alex McCallion, Director of Works and Precinct at York Minster, said: “As with our recently ratified Neighbourhood Plan, York Minster is leading the way and setting a new precedent for other heritage organisations to follow. Currently, the biggest external threat to the Minster’s future is climate change, brought about by extreme weather events. The Neighbourhood Plan sets a policy-led approach to how we are going to address this as we move towards a low carbon estate. The installation of these solar tiles is an important milestone in delivering that pledge”.

Rvd Canon Michael Smith, Acting Dean of York Minster, said: “We are very excited to have installed these new solar tiles, which signify a first not just for the Minster, but for the wider city. We want to thank both City of York Council and Historic England for their support up to this point, and we hope to continue our partnership working as we seek to deliver our Neighbourhood Plan over the next 15 years which as sustainability at its heart, while also being sensitive to the Precinct’s historic architecture.”

Cllr. Paula Widdowson, Executive Member for Environment and Climate change at City of York Council, added: “I am delighted to see solar tiles installed on a listed building in the Minster Precinct. This has been delivered through City of York Council and the Minster working together to build a solution that satisfies both our climate ambition and our conservation requirements. I am looking forward to seeing many more of these projects delivered across the city in years to come.”

For more information on the Neighbourhood Plan, please visit: https://yorkminster.org/about-us/master-planning/.

New light and sound installation to illuminate York Minster this October

A new light and sound installation from the award winning creators of Northern Lights will illuminate York Minster during October half term to help raise funds to conserve the cathedral’s medieval stained glass and stonework.

Platinum and Light is a new projection and sound artwork from artists Ross Ashton and Karen Monid, who created the spectacular Northern Lights installation which ran at York Minster in October 2019.

The new show, which will run for eight nights from Thursday 20 to Thursday 27 October, is inspired by Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and uses precious metals through the ages, including gold, silver and platinum, to journey through moments in York’s and the Minster’s history and their royal connections.

The events will help raise funds for the Minster’s current project to conserve the medieval St Cuthbert Window, which is one of the largest surviving narrative windows in Europe, and the stonework of the surrounding South Quire Transept.

Neil Sanderson, Director of the York Minster Fund, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Ross and Karen back to York Minster following the success of Northern Lights in 2019 and can’t wait to share this stunning new installation with our visitors.

“The light and sound projection will again illuminate the medieval Minster’s cavernous Nave, travelling down the full length of its ceiling and across the West End and Great West Window, highlighting elements of the cathedral’s architecture and taking inspiration from items in its historic collection.

“We were overwhelmed with the response to the events in 2019, and look forward to welcoming people to see this new installation and experience the Minster in a different light while supporting our work to conserve its world-renowned medieval stained glass and exquisite stonework.”

The events will open on Thursday 20 October with the first show at 9pm, and then run daily until Thursday 27 October with two showings each evening at 7.30pm and 9pm. On Sunday 23 October the shows will be at the earlier times of 6.30pm and 8pm.

Tickets are available here  and cost £7.50 each, or £25 for a family ticket for up to two adults and two children.

Bookings are available by ringing: 01904 557200

Watch the trailer:

The Very Revd Dominic Barrington to be the next Dean of York

The Very Revd Dominic Barrington, Dean of St James Cathedral in Chicago, since 2015, was today announced as the new Dean of York.

His appointment marks a return to the north of England for Dominic who served as a university chaplain at St Chad’s College Durham for five years.  He will take up his post as Dean of York in the Autumn.

Commenting on his appointment, Dominic said: “I am thrilled to be coming to York Minster at this exciting time as we move beyond the pandemic and look to a renewed call to mission and ministry. With my family I am much looking forward to joining the communities associated with this astonishing cathedral and working alongside Archbishop Stephen, the diocese and the province in seeking to Live Christ’s Story.”

Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell said: “Dominic’s extensive experience of parish, chaplaincy  and Cathedral ministry will be such a blessing to York Minster, helping us develop our service to the diocese of York, the northern province of the Church of England and all who come here as tourists or pilgrims.”

The Revd Canon Michael Smith, Acting Dean of York said:  “Dominic and his family will be welcomed by prayerful and committed worshippers, enthused volunteers and a highly skilled and motivated work force all eager to share with him in the next phase of the life of this great cathedral. York Minster is emerging from the pandemic in good heart. We are enjoying worshipping together in person, meeting together face to face again and welcoming increasing numbers of visitors every week to encounter God’s love in this great building.

“Dominic will lead us into an exciting future as we prepare to celebrate our 1400th Anniversary in 2027 and implement our newly approved, trail-blazing Neighbourhood Plan, the blueprint that will govern the development of the Minster Precinct for the next 30 years.”

Dominic began his ministry as curate in the Mortlake with East Sheen Team Ministry in the Diocese of Southwark. He served as a university chaplain at St Chad’s, Durham before becoming priest in charge, and subsequently rector at St Peter & Paul with St Michael’s in Kettering in the Diocese of Peterborough.  He was installed as Dean of St James Cathedral in September 2015 after twenty years of ordained ministry in the Church of England.

Dominic has previously worked with the Arts Council to create and fund new regional touring opportunities for the London Symphony, the Royal Philharmonic, and other orchestras. He also worked for several years with some of Britain’s leading professional choirs and vocal groups.

Dominic is married to Alison, a music therapist, who has worked in both clinical and academic contexts. They have two sons, Benedict and Linus.

Experience Summer at York Minster

Experience Summer at York Minster

Visitors to York Minster this summer will find worship, music, late openings, a thought provoking art installation, block-buster films and fun family activities and events throughout July and August.

Worship

All are welcome to experience worship at the cathedral with daily services of Matins, Holy Communion and Evensong as well as the weekly Sunday Eucharist service.  With the Choir of York Minster enjoying a well-earned summer break, Evensong services throughout July and August will be sung by a series of visiting choirs.

Artwork – ‘Faith and Fracture’

A large-scale art work inspired by the Church of England’s “Living in Love and Faith” project will be on display at York Minster this summer. Suspended four metres above the transept and made of two and a half thousand pieces of fragile, luminous glass, ‘Faith and Fracture’ will be on public view from 10 July until 16 September.

The art work was commissioned by the bishops of the Church of England as part of the “Living in Love and Faith” project which saw an 18-month long discussion held across the Church on the subject of human identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage.  Designed by Alice Walker and David Ferrier, with an accompanying soundscape composed by Matt Eaton, the artists hope people will reflect on what faith might have to say in a world of conflict and fracture.

Seasonal Lates at York Minster

Fridays and Saturdays: 22 July – 3 September, 7pm – 9pm
Explore York Minster in the evening light when the cathedral opens its doors on Friday and Saturday evenings during the summer holidays for its seasonal lates. The Minster will be open for general admission giving visitors the chance to explore the medieval cathedral at their own pace, discover nearly 2,000 years of history in the Undercroft Museum and the opportunity to book Tower Trips.

Music

The Grand Organ Returns – The Inaugural Recital Series 2022
Thursdays 21 July – 18 August, 7pm
Join internationally renowned musicians for a special series of recitals celebrating the return of York Minster’s Grand Organ following its £2m, once-in-a-century refurbishment.

• 21 July, 7pm – Nathan Laube
• 28 July, 7pm – Benjamin Morris
• 4 August, 7pm – David Briggs
• 11 August, 7pm – Margaret Phillips
• 18 August, 7pm – Robert Sharpe.

Open Air Cinema

Luna Cinema
30 August – 1 September, 8pm
The UK’s leading open-air cinema is returning to York Minster’s Dean’s Park with a line-up of all the latest blockbusters, alongside classic feel-good favourites on the big screen. Luna’s 2022 summer programme includes the 25th masterpiece in the James Bond franchise ‘No Time to Die’, the magical ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’ and ‘Grease’ – the ultimate summer night movie.
With fantastic food and drink, VIP sofas, brand new two-seater deckchairs and the truly unique backdrop of York Minster, this is an unmissable event.

• Tuesday 30 August – No Time to Die
• Wednesday 31 August – Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
• Thursday 1 September – Grease

Family fun and activities for the summer holidays
There will be a range of activities and events at York Minster for children and families throughout July and August.  Don’t forget that admission is free for children and York residents go free with valid proof of address.

Get crafty in Dean’s Park 
Thursdays and Fridays in August, 10am – 3pm

• Get hands-on with craft activities in our Summer Tent in Dean’s Park.
• 4 and 5 August – Sculpt a royal bust.
• 11 and 12 August – Make a Royal tile.
• 18 and 19 August – Create a crown.
• 25 and 26 August – Design your own shield.

Suitable for children aged 4+

York Bird of Prey Centre
Thursdays and Fridays 28 July – 2 September
The York Bird of Prey Centre from Huby, will join us in Dean’s Park to share and show off the wonderful variety of birds they care for. Drop in throughout the day for free educational talks and demonstrations.

Little Explorer Backpacks
Packed with gadgets including a map, binoculars, and a magnifying glass, our backpacks are perfect for helping little adventurers explore the medieval Minster.  The backpacks are available daily and are free to borrow with general admission on a first come, first served basis.

Dragon Quest Trail
Legendary knight, St George, requests help from the little ones to find all the dragons in York Minster to help him complete his noble quest. Little adventurers will have fun discovering the fascinating fiery creatures that decorate the building.

For more information about summer at York Minster go to: What’s on | York Minster

‘Faith and Fracture’ – Glass Sculpture focused on ‘Beauty of Every Human’ on display in York Minster

A large-scale art installation inspired by the Church of England’s “Living in Love and Faith” project will be on display at York Minster this summer.

Suspended four metres above the transept and made of two and a half thousand pieces of glass, ‘Faith and Fracture’ will be seen by the public from mid-July to mid- September.

The art work was commissioned by the bishops of the Church of England as part of the “Living in Love and Faith” project which saw an 18-month long discussion held across the Church on the subject of human identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage.

Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, said:  “Being human is about being creative and being connected. As the Church of England grapples with its own differences, this luminous sculpture reminds us of the uniqueness and beauty of every human being.

“Each and every human being is loved by God and called to love one another in the pattern of Jesus Christ.”

Visitors will also be able to access an audio recording which includes comments from people who took part in the Living and Love and Faith project.  Designed by Alice Walker and David Ferrier, with an accompanying soundscape composed by Matt Eaton, the artists hope people will reflect on what faith might have to say in a world of conflict and fracture.

Alice Walker said:  “The inspiration for this sculpture began with a piece of sea glass – a unique piece of colourful glass shaped and smoothed by sea and sand.

“Fragile yet luminous, glass can be found in a vibrant array of colours – a way of representing the rich diversity of people who have taken part in the ‘Living in Love and Faith’ project.”

‘Faith and Fracture’ will be on display at York Minster from 10 July until 16 September.  Entry is included with a standard admission ticket. Entry to the Minster is free for York residents with valid proof of address.

A £10,000 funding award for York Minster from the Scientists in Congregations Programme

York Minster has been awarded £10,000 to develop new learning trails that will reveal how science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), helped to build the 800 year-old medieval cathedral.

The Minster is one of ten worship communities to receive funds under the Scientists in Congregations programme, run by Equipping Christian Leadership in an Age of Science. The successful projects span a range of denominations and ecumenical networks.

York Minster’s project – ‘Cathedral Thinking’ STEM Trails – will see the development of a suite of learning trails for children, families, school groups, visitors and worshippers highlighting how the building, its history, use and origins can be navigated via science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The Revd Canon Victoria Johnson, York Minster’s Precentor, was a Cancer Research scientist before ordination and has worked at the interface of science and religion for many years. She believes that science can help people to engage with the Christian faith in new and creative ways.  Canon Victoria said: “There is a scientific underpinning for almost everything that you find at York Minster:  the stunning geometry of the Chapter House roof and the Rose Window; the ancient stone and stained glass right, through to the contemporary structures such as the spectacular new Centre of Excellence that we are developing as part of the York Minster Neighbourhood Plan.

“We will use the Scientists in Congregations award to develop a set of exciting learning trails focused on key themes such as Astronomy, Light and Colour, Ecology, Engineering and Geometry.  Visitors will be able to explore trails both inside and outside stopping at stations and points of interest to learn how science, technology, engineering and mathematics helped to build York Minster.”

This is the fifth round of Scientists in Congregations awards. Since 2014, over 80 churches have received £750,000 through the Scientists in Congregations programme (including the latest round).

Scientists in Congregations is administered by Equipping Christian Leadership in an Age of Science (ECLAS). ECLAS is led from St John’s College, Durham University in partnership with the University of York and the Church of England. ECLAS, and the Scientists in Congregations grants, are funded by the Templeton Religion Trust.

The Revd Prof David Wilkinson, ECLAS Project Co-Director, said: “We are thrilled to support church leaders to explore how science can enrich and expand our view of faith.

“These Scientists in Congregations projects imaginatively demonstrate how science is at the heart of Christian faith, recognising it as a gift from God and recognising the vocation of scientists.”

The full list of churches and organisations receiving funding to participate in Scientists in Congregations 2022-23 is:

•         St Albans Cathedral
•         Sunderland Connect Network
•         York Minster
•         Chester Cathedral
•         The Bible Reading Fellowship
•         Christ Church West Green, London
•         Baptist Union Environment Network (BUEN)
•         St Paul’s, Knightsbridge
•         Parish of Great Missenden with Ballinger and Little Hampden, Oxfordshire
•         St Mark’s Church/Xplore!, Wrexham.