Angry Christians have been left fuming over a 90s silent disco set to be held in the UK’s oldest cathedral.
It will feature music from 90s pop icons including Britney Spears, Eminem, The Spice Girls, Backstreet Boys, and Peter Andre.
The event has been branded “disrespectful” and “inappropriate.”
It will take place inside Canterbury Cathedral – built in 597 – in the Kent City until midnight.
Although music won’t be playing out of loudspeakers, attendees can listen to the tunes through a pair of “state-of-the-art” LED headphones.
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They can flick through three different channels of music.
The 1,427-year-old cathedral will be illuminated as party-goers dance.
The event is run by Silent Discos in Incredible Places – who set up silent discos in unusual spots around the country.
But Christians have expressed their outrage at the 18+ event.
Some have said that it gives the message that “Christians do not take their faith or their holy places seriously.”
Furious church-goer, Dr Cajetan Skowronsk has set up a petition to stop the event at the place of worship.
So far, his “Stop the Silent Disco in Canterbury Cathedral” petition has achieved 1,579 signatures.
He directed the petition at the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.
Cajetan Skowronks said: “My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of robbers.” – Matthew 21:12-13”
“Or, in this case, ravers.
“In February 2024, a silent disco will take place over two nights in the nave of Canterbury Cathedral.”
It is a strictly 18+ event, featuring plenty of alcohol and the music of the 90’s: Britney, Spice Girls, Eminem, and the Vengaboys.
“Archbishop Justin Welby, everyone likes a Silent Disco, but its place is in a nightclub, not in Canterbury Cathedral.
“The most important Christian church in England.
“The site of the martyrdom and relics of Saint Thomas Becket.
“The repository for the mortal remains of kings, princes, and bishops.
“The destination of millions of pilgrims for centuries, past, present and future.
“The inspiration for our greatest early work of literature.
“And most importantly, the epicentre of countless prayers and sacraments – the House of God.
“Do not profane this holy site of which you are custodian.
“It will not bring young people closer to Christ, rather it will send the message that Christ and His Church, and all the truth, beauty, and goodness it has to offer, are unimportant.
“That entertainment deserves our attention more than God.
“That Christians do not take their faith or their holy places seriously.
“That Christianity is a lame joke.
“Archbishop Welby, hear our petition, as your brothers and sisters in Christ, and stop the Silent Disco.Make the Cathedral a house of prayer once more.”
Local Kate Hudson signed the petition.
She said: “Canterbury Cathedral is not just any old building and to host a disco in it is completely inappropriate and disrespectful.
“This is a sacred building of catholic heritage and the resting place of St. Anselm.
“Please take a minute to sign the petition.”
“Completely unacceptable,” fumed Rosemary Roots.
Another person, called Oluchi Ugochukwu said: “This is so Sad.
“I’ve signed and shared as well.
“No values anymore!”
Despite the backlash from Christians, the event is set to go ahead tomorrow (February 8) and Friday (February 9).
Each day has two sessions that take place between 6 pm and midnight.
There is a half-hour interval to break up the sessions at 9 pm.
Both days have completely sold out of tickets.
But party-goers are so desperate to get their hands on a pass they’re searching for re-sale tickets on local Facebook groups.
The Reverend Dr David Monteith, The Dean of Canterbury, said the silent disco would be “appropriate and respectful.”
He said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming all those who will be coming to this week’s retro silent disco in the Nave.”
Cathedrals have always been part of community life in a way much wider than their prime focus as centres of Christian worship and mission, and whether people choose to come to Canterbury Cathedral primarily as worshippers, sightseers, or attendees at our events – which include classical concerts, light and sound installations, and craft workshops – it’s always joyous to see them discover this incredible place anew and on their own terms.”
He added: “Whilst dancing of all different kinds has happened in the Cathedral over the centuries – and The Bible memorably celebrates the gift of dancing with King David dancing before the Lord (2 Samuel 6) – there are many different views on the secular and the sacred.
“Our 90s-themed silent disco will be appropriate to and respectful of the Cathedral – it is categorically not a ‘rave in the nave’ – but I appreciate that some will never agree that dancing and pop music have a place within cathedrals.”
