The Role of Guildford Cathedral

A cathedral is a Christian church which contains the seat (cathedra) of a bishop, thus serving as the central church of a diocese. 

Guildford Cathedral is the mother church of the diocese of Guildford, covering 500 square miles of Surrey, north east Hampshire, the London Borough of Kingston and a part of West Sussex.

A fresh expression

Cathedrals within the Church of England hold a unique position in society, which enable them to connect people with the sacred, build links between individuals, organisations and communities, and sustain tradition and identity. 

Guildford Cathedral is a fresh expression of this traditional sacred space and a precious part of the national heritage: the last Church of England cathedral consecrated on a new site, in 1961; intensely and personally rooted in local identity and living memories through the many ‘brick-givers’ who helped fund its completion. We respond to a range of needs from family crisis to grief; celebration to spiritual curiosity.