Birmingham Cathedral has become the first in the country to host Space Encounters – an innovative project to help people reflect and pray using all their senses.
Four multi-sensory prayer stations have been placed around St Philip’s Cathedral based on the themes of Faith, Peace, Direction and Rest.
The prayer zones include a scenting machine, water features, candles, meditations and artwork. The zones start in the welcome foyer and continue up to the Sanctuary (by the altar) of the cathedral taking visitors on a prayer pilgrimage around the building.
Assistant Dean at the Cathedral, the Reverend Canon Peter Howell-Jones said: “These zones will provide a stimulating environment for people to stop and reflect on life and faith. The cathedral is ideally placed for visitors, members of the business community and shoppers to take a few minutes out of their daily routines to focus on the deeper things of life.
“Birmingham Cathedral is at the heart of the city and hundreds of people walk past the building on their way to the city centre. In the summer months, the churchyard is full of people meeting friends, having lunch and relaxing. The cathedral is exploring ways of connecting with these people who enjoy spending time in the churchyard but do not yet come inside the church building.”
Space Encounters is a partnership between several Christian organisations including the Church Pastoral Aid Society, Lifewords and the Church of England.
The cathedral is open to the public from 7.30am to 7pm every day. Space Encounters opens today for two weeks.
