Canterbury Cathedral is clearing its nave for a special contemplation of the meaning of Sanctuary.
Such an event seldom happens in Canterbury Cathedral. Churches and cathedrals have always been places of sanctuary, but it’s a particularly pertinent theme in Canterbury, where a Huguenot Chapel in the crypt was given in perpetuity to the congregation of refugees from France during the sixteenth century.
The Sanctuary by David Young Cameron. Photo credit: Rochdale Arts & Heritage Service
Performances take place on Monday 13 February at 7.00pm and 8.30pm.
Music composed by the eminent Huguenot composer of the Renaissance Claude Goudimel will be performed, alongside more modern compositions.
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Many thanks for this, Jo, most interesting. I’m not sure people realise that taking sanctuary is something that can still happen in modern times. Viraj Mendis, a Sri Lankan, ran into the Church of the Ascension in Hulme, Manchester on 20 December 1986, following a protest march to prevent his deportation for overstaying his visa. As a supporter of the Tamils he was in danger of death if he returned. He was able to stay in the church for the next two years thanks to the help of the rector John Methuen. You can find out what happened next if you search for his name in Wikipedia, or read this https://manchester1984.uk/chapters/section-1/chapter-2/appendix-2e/
I think I do remember his case. That link is an interesting reminder!
Somewhat irreverently, what your comment call to mind is the old black and white TV series of Robin Hood, where bandits were always dashing into church shouting: “Sanctuary! Sanctuary!”
Maybe because of those TV series, or because when I was young I was a bit obsessed with the Middle Ages, I have occasionally found myself thinking about the practice of Sanctuary, throughout my life. The thought that one could dash into a church, cry “Sanctuary”, and no one was allowed to touch you despite there being no physical barrier, was intriguing and amazing.