Thankfully, the nation is entering a new phase of recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. If not directly affected by the virus, many of us are experiencing feelings of isolation and uncertainty at this difficult time and seeking spiritual reassurance and a source of hope. This is where your Cathedral plays a crucial part.

In step with those who have gone before us, our role is to respond positively to todays unique set of challenges, by serving our communities through worship, outreach, music and mission. Whether our ministry is conducted virtually or otherwise, your Cathedral stands as a beacon of hope for all as we find ourselves in these unprecedented times.

Your Cathedral, though, has also been hit hard by the coronavirus crisis. For the first time in 800 years we have had to close our doors and live separately from our community. The inevitable drop in funding is acute for all cathedrals. By the end of 2021, we stand to lose somewhere in the region of £1.3 million. Yet, at a time when so many lives have been turned upside down, our aim is not to step back, but to step up. Rather than wait for things to get better, we want to reach out, to embrace our community and to heal. Your Cathedral must continue to be a place of sanctuary, solace and reinvigoration.

This is why we are inviting you to make a gift to the Beacon of Hope Appeal so that, together, we can raise as much as £1 million over the next six months and light up the path to recovery. Between the 1st of July and Christmas Day 2020, this money will go directly towards keeping the Cathedrals beacon burning brightly, broadcasting services through digital expressions of worship and enabling the beauty of music to reach into peoples homes. It will also form a bedrock of a programme of social activity and a calendar of social events, providing support and shared experiences which will bring new hope and confidence to our communities.

This funds raised through this appeal will help us to achieve the following:

-To programme collaborative cultural activities to help inspire local communities, promote wellbeing and stimulate economic growth.

-To ensure the Cathedral can play an important role in meeting the spiritual and social needs of our communities by being at the heart of the recovery for the city, county and diocese.

-To safeguard our heritage, continue to care for our fabric and adapt so music and worship can still reach peoples homes.

-To maintain and develop our training, education and outreach provisions and support the most vulnerable members of our community.

-To deliver a digital strategy which enhances all of the above.

Thank you for visiting our page and for being a part of the appeal.

We look forward to updating you on the progress of our work.

Gloucester Cathedral Team