Subscribe to trusted local news
In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
- Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
15
Jun 2020
Ripon Cathedral re-opens to the public for private prayer
Clergy, led by the Very Reverend Dean John Dobson, re-opened the doors of Ripon Cathedral at 10am on Monday to welcome in parishioners and visitors wishing to say private prayers.
After more than 10 weeks of lockdown caused by the coronavirus crisis, the cathedral is one of only a handful of places of worship in the Harrogate district to re-open at the first opportunity allowed by the government.
Dean John (pictured centre), told The Stray Ferret:
The Cathedral, which will be open between 10am and 4pm from Monday to Saturday and 12 noon until 4pm on Sundays, is following very strict social distancing and hygiene rules to protect the wellbeing of visitors who come to pray, or light a candle. Hand sanitiser is available on entry; seating has been reduced and signage is in place.
During lockdown, services have been streamed live on YouTube - including the Easter Day Sung Eucharist and these have attracted a growing audience.
Read more:
- Restaurant owner looks forward to re-opening Valentino's
- Ripon Market traders argue for rent reductions
Dean John believes that prayer plays an important role in daily lives and said:
He and fellow clergy, Canon Ailsa Newby, Canon Michael Gisbourne, The Rev. Caitlin Carmichael-Davies and The Venerable Clive Mansell, welcomed in the first small group of people waiting for the cathedral's doors to open.
The Cathedral Church of St Peter and St Wilfrid, is one of the most ancient places of worship in the UK and prayers have been said at this location for more than 1300 years.
0