Minister for faith and integration Lord Bourne visits St Albans Cathedral today as part of a country-wide tour of all 42 cathedrals in England.

The tour is designed to highlight the successes of Anglican cathedrals in adapting to the modern world, in addition to championing their roles as bastions of England’s rich Christian heritage.

This latest visit will bring the total number of cathedrals visited by the Minister since the start of his tour in October 2016 to seven, with plans to visit 10 before Christmas.

Lord Bourne says: “I’m very pleased to be visiting St Albans to learn more about the part the cathedral plays in the city. Over the coming year I will be championing the great efforts being made nationwide to keep cathedrals at the heart of community life.

“I hope that people around England join me in appreciating our rich Christian heritage, learning more about these beautiful buildings and help preserve them for future generations.”

Recent statistics released from the Church of England show that 42 Anglican cathedrals are not only attracting more worshippers - an increase of 18 per cent since 2005 - but are diversifying towards new activities and programmes.

Furthermore, the Association of English Cathedrals report (2014), calculated that the nation’s cathedrals contribute £220 million annually to the national economy, a rise of nearly 50 per cent from ten years ago.

St. Albans Cathedral is a pioneer in inter-denominational Christian activities and holds services by Catholic, Orthodox, German Lutheran and Free Church chaplains. It is also home to an adult education programme.