Taking risks in church

A helter-skelter installed in Norwich Cathedral sparked coverage around the world. And a crazy golf course built in Rochester Cathedral had many critics scratching their heads.

But why the fuss?

St Albans Cathedral is the city's top tourist attraction and plays a major part in the local community. It's both an important place of worship - of course - and a thriving focus for a wide range of one-off events and regular activities.

Its newly-opened exhibition area tells the story of Alban, Britian's first Christian martyr and of the Cathedral build to commemorate his sacrifice.

To me, spending time in the Cathedral is second nature. I have served as a day chaplain there and was both confirmed and ordained as a priest under its roof.

I enjoy spending time in the building that has been a centre of worship for centuries.

I'm one of those people who finds being in church a natural experience. I feel at home in all kinds of churches.

But I know I'm in the minority, and that minority is shrinking.

So I rejoice when I hear of new initiatives that encourage people to come through the doors of cathedrals and churches.

The helter-skelter and the crazy golf may have raised eyebrows. But both were part of wider initiatives by the cathedrals to draw people through their historic doors and introduce them to the Christian faith.

I'm not expecting to see fun fair attractions at St Albans Cathedral anytime soon. But I know the team there are always looking out for new ways of presenting Christ to new audiences in changing times.

And that takes creativity, and a degree of risk...

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