Summary
This chapter draws on social capital theory to examine the distinctive dynamics of personal, social, religious, and spiritual capitals within cathedral congregations as illustrated by an in-depth analysis of the Sunday congregations at one cathedral. A questionnaire survey was completed by 269 individuals (160 women and 109 men) during the three Sunday morning services at Llandaff Cathedral. The questionnaire explored reasons for choosing to attend the cathedral and the different forms of capital (social, personal, and spiritual) generated within the cathedral congregation. The data demonstrated that these congregants were not escapees from the commitment demanded by local churches (as suggested by some theorists) and that being a member of the cathedral congregation has a positive impact on the development of social, personal, and spiritual capitals. These congregations were seen to be contributing significantly to the well-being of the area in which the cathedral is located.
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Francis, L.J., Williams, E. (2015). Cathedral Congregations: Retreating from Commitment or Generating Social Capital?. In: Francis, L.J. (eds) Anglican Cathedrals in Modern Life. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137559319_3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137559319_3
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