A message from the Dean

The Chapter of Southwark Cathedral met this morning to discuss the closure of the church.  Bishop Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark, joined us on this occasion.  In other lockdowns we simply did what we were told to do, in law or guidance.  This is a different situation in which we can legally stay open for public worship and private prayer but in which we are being asked by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan and the Leader of Southwark Council, Kieron Williams, to voluntarily close to reduce the number of occasions when people meet. This had to be a Chapter decision.

After a good discussion Chapter decided that now was the time to close.  In this we are acting with other churches and places of worship in London including St Paul’s Cathedral, which had already made this difficult decision, and in accord with Bishop Christopher’s guidance to all the churches in the diocese that we each must make a local decision.  The closure of the Cathedral takes immediate effect. 

We will reopen as soon as the situation improves, and it will improve.  We always look forward in hope – but at the moment our priority is to keep one another safe.

Worship will continue to be offered online at the following times:

Sunday

9.00am - Morning Prayer

11.00am - Choral Eucharist

6.00pm - Night Prayer

Monday - Saturday

9.00am - Morning Prayer

8.00pm - Night Prayer

There are a number of different ways for you to join us online for these services.  You can view the service direct from this website here, or our YouTube page here, alternatively you may wish to join our friendly and welcoming online congregation at our Facebook page here

If you would like to speak with someone on a pastoral matter during lockdown please contact the Sub Dean, Canon Michael Rawson by email here

Please note that all events showing on this website have been cancelled until further notice.

The Cathedral Shop will also be closed until further notice.  Our Online Shop will continue to stay open during lockdown and has a great range of gifts, cards and books available to buy.  You can visit our online shop here

You could also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or sign up for our weekly e-newsletter at the bottom of our home-page to receive updates and to find out what we are doing during lockdown as well as what we are planning for the future.