Christians are set to protest against a silent disco at Canterbury Cathedral saying they don’t want a ‘rave to Eminem in God’s house’. They have branded the sold-out two night event “absurd” and describe it as an “alcohol-fuelled rave”, saying it will do nothing for the faith.
The disco will see headphone-wearing ravers dancing to classic 1990s tracks from the likes of the Vengaboys and All Saints.
Church leaders say they need to reach out to younger people and find ways of raising the “large sums” the Cathedral requires to survive.
Those opposed to the event, led by Dr Cajetan Skowronski, have raised their concerns during a meeting with the Dean of Canterbury, The Very Reverend Dr David Monteith.
But the disco, where alcohol will be available, is still set to go ahead, with the landmark’s historic Nave transformed into a dancefloor on Thursday and Friday night.
Dr Skowronski said: “While respectful of our right to protest, the Dean was dismissive of our petition, stating that we were an extreme minority – for not wanting an alcohol-fuelled rave to the music of Eminem in God’s house.”
“Dr Monteith was convinced – with no evidence – that the majority of Christians would support this disco, and our petition and reasoned arguments could not change his mind.”
Dr Skowronski argues no other religion would consider using a sacred building in this way.
“Discos and parties and things are absolutely great but only in their proper place it’s all well and good in a nightclub but Canterbury Cathedral was not built for this,” he said.
“It’s an unprecedented way to use this sacred place. It looks like more Cathedrals will be used this way but Canterbury is the most important of them all.”
“It’s not going to make younger people take the Church more seriously, it’s not going to make people think Christians take their faith seriously no other religions would do this and it’s not effective evangelism.”
The Sussex-based doctor hopes to see opponents travel from all over the country to join a peaceful protest being held between 6-8pm on Thursday at Christ Church Gate.
He says about 30 people have signed up to attend.
“It promises to be a very special evening of faithful witness with hymns, prayer and scripture as the ravers process in,” he said.
“If we do not resist, our ancient temples will become nightclubs on a regular basis, and the Christian faith in this country will be further diminished.”
“We are alive and kicking and devoted to maintaining our sacred places for their true purpose: worship.”
In a poll of locals, 54 per cent declared their support, while 46 per cent were opposed.
The Dean of Canterbury, The Very Reverend Dr David Monteith, insists the silent disco will be “appropriate and respectful”.
“Cathedrals have always been part of community life in a way much wider than their prime focus as centres of Christian worship and mission,” he said.
“Whilst dancing of all different kinds has happened in the Cathedral over the centuries – and The Bible memorably celebrates the gift of dancing with King David dancing before the Lord (2 Samuel 6) – there are many different views on the secular and the sacred.”
“Our 90s-themed silent disco will be appropriate to and respectful of the Cathedral – it is categorically not a ‘rave in the nave’ – but I appreciate that some will never agree that dancing and pop music have a place within cathedrals.”
Serving as the main body of the building, the Nave is one of the key congregation points for religious services and extends from the entrance to the transepts/chancel. The Martyrdom site of Becket’s murder is in the north-west transept.
It is expected that 750 people will attend each day, with two sessions on both the Thursday and Friday. Tickets were £25 – with VIP options up for grabs at £31 – but are now sold out according to the Cathedral.
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