The CofE’s attempts to be “relevant” reminds one of that aged relative at a family party trying to get down with the kids by talking about what sort of rock ‘n’ roll they like. “Groovy” he says, without any sense of irony, and we all cringe with embarrassment. Here, in our village, other than the vicar’s daughter, the three youngest folks in this Church of Wales congregation are myself (52), the Mrs (er… a bit younger), and our son Joshua (3). I fear the next youngest is well past 60, if not 70. The Church desperately wants younger folks to attend.
And so instead of talking about God or eternal truths and values which it, patronisingly, assumes young folks cannot relate to, it instead tries ever harder to be relevant to “the community”, that is to say the non-attending heathens. It aches to get down with the kids, to reach out. And that brings us to Sheffield, where the Cathedral today says:
“For some years the Dean and Chapter have been looking carefully at the music offer of Sheffield Cathedral. They have come to the conclusion that there needs to be significant change. This is in order to create a Music Department and Choir ready for the exciting future of the mixed urban community in which we live and work.
With the Diocesan Bishop, Chapter are appointing a new Canon Precentor in August, responsible for Cathedral worship and music. They hope this will bring increased creativity and stability.
Following a review of the Music Department in 2019, Sheffield Cathedral Chapter has decided that a completely fresh start is needed. As a result, Chapter concluded this is the right time to close the current Cathedral Choir.
This decision has not been easy because it will directly impact several colleagues and indirectly impact us all in our close-knit community. However, we believe this is in the best interests of the long-term mission of the Cathedral.
The Canon Precentor will lead the recruitment of a new music team and the development of a fresh vision for our worship. For some time, Chapter has been considering a new model for Anglican choral life here, with a renewed ambition for engagement and inclusion. They recognise that this will require flexibility, imagination and experiment.”
Of course all sorts of kids join choirs. They are not rows of solely white faces and their music can be uplifting. It is what can make the Church a unique place to inspire worship. But forget that. It is time to roll over Beethoven and bring on the electric guitars, siddars and steel drums, as the Bishop Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox, has some hip new tunes which the cool cats in the wider community are really going to dig. Groovy.