The Archbishop of Canterbury has been dragged into a “cash-for-access” scandal after offering a £950-a-head Holy Week Retreat.
People were able to pay to stay at Canterbury Cathedral for an “intimate gathering” in the run-up to Easter, including Good Friday.
The opportunity was billed as a chance to go “behind the scenes”, meet staff, and “experience the inner workings of the cathedral”.
A brochure for the getaway, seen by The Daily Mail, added that “there may also be opportunities to interact” with Justin Welby and Dr David Monteith.
Justin Welby has faced criticism for the almost £1,000 residential stay
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Critics have lamented the Church of England’s fundraising initiative and claimed it offers VIP access to the Archbishop during a period of reflection.
Reverend Dr Ian Paul, a member of the Archbishops' Council, said: “We are focusing on Jesus's death and resurrection and the idea you can fork out £1,000 to have a personal audience with the archbishop is ridiculous.
“I think it is really crass. The idea that this piece of Christian heritage and the leader of the Anglican Communion are accessible by the financial elite of the country is truly shocking.
“I can see there's a case for creative ways of fundraising.
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Inside Canterbury Cathedral where customers can pay to embark on a residential trip
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“But those have surely got to be within the parameters of basic Christian discipleship.”
In the promotional package, the getaway includes: “Services, special activities and unique access.”
A non-residential option is also available for £300 per person.
Prudence Dailey, former chairman of the Prayer Book Society and a General Synod member, said: “They use the word 'access' in a nod, nod, wink, wink way. I think that's badly worded.”
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby at Westminster Abbey, central London, ahead of the coronation ceremony of King Charles III and Queen CamillaPAHowever, the row comes as cathedrals continue to grapple with high running costs.
Canterbury Cathedral costs an estimated £30,000 a day to run.
A spokesman for Canterbury Cathedral said: “[Our] Holy Week Retreat is an opportunity for people to take time out from the busyness and pressures of everyday life and to have the space to think deeply about their faith.
“It is not a 'luxury break' and there is no suggestion of privileged paid-for access to the Archbishop of Canterbury or to any member of cathedral clergy.”