ABSTRACT

The aim of the present paper, set within the developing science of cathedral studies, was to analyse the qualitative comments added by 113 of the 567 participants who submitted responses to a quantitative survey while attending the Holly Bough Service in Liverpool Cathedral on the afternoon of the Fourth Sunday of Advent 2019. These qualitative comments added depth and texture to the quantitative responses to illuminate five core aspects of the participants’ experience: the aesthetic and spiritual qualities of the Cathedral; the aesthetic and spiritual qualities of the Holly Bough Service; the aesthetic and spiritual qualities of the Cathedral’s musical tradition; the wider sense of connection with the Cathedral; and the impact of the ministry of the Cathedral clergy. The qualitative comments also drew attention to matters for further reflection by the Cathedral. Conclusions are drawn regarding the general effectiveness of Cathedrals within an increasingly secular environment, and the specific effectiveness of Liverpool Cathedral’s mission strategy of ‘Encounter’.

摘要

本论文的目的是在大教堂研究的发展科学范围内，分析 567 名参与者中的 113 名在参加利物浦大教堂的冬青树枝仪式时提交的定量调查的定性评论。 2019 年降临节的第四个星期日。这些定性评论为定量反应增加了深度和质感，以阐明参与者体验的五个核心方面：大教堂的美学和精神品质；Holly Bough Service 的审美和精神品质；大教堂音乐传统的审美和精神品质；与大教堂更广泛的联系；以及大教堂神职人员事工的影响。定性评论也提请注意事项，以供大教堂进一步思考。得出的结论是关于大教堂在日益世俗化的环境中的总体有效性，以及利物浦大教堂“相遇”使命战略的具体有效性。