ST DAVIDS CATHEDRAL could be insolvent within two years, a visitation has concluded.
The report, completed in December but published this month, sets out a series of challenges, of which finance is “the most critical”. But it also expresses concern about the spiritual health of the cathedral, drawing attention to a lack of collegiate prayer among the clergy and “minimal” pastoral care for the congregation.
It warns: “Depletion of reserves, ongoing deficits, and loss of diocesan support places the cathedral at risk of financial unsustainability and could lead to insolvency within two years. A credible recovery plan has not yet been developed.”
The Chapter’s response lacks urgency, it says. “Despite persistent deficits, there is limited evidence of decisive action to secure long-term sustainability.”
Safeguarding restricted funds and improving financial controls were identified as “immediate priorities”. During the visitation, “strong representations” were made by the Friends concerning the transfer of a legacy. A serious-incident report has been submitted to the Charity Commission. In addition, an inquiry into a potential safeguarding failure was ongoing at the time of the visitation.
The visitation recorded concerns about the spiritual life of the cathedral, noting that “the spiritual dimension of Chapter’s work appears less visible than might be expected.” It continued: “Theological reflection in decision-making is limited and shared prayer outside formal worship is infrequent.”
While the daily offices and Sunday services are “offered with dignity and care”, the cathedral has “limited awareness of the needs and well-being of its congregation”, the report says. Home communion reaches “only a small number of people”, and visiting “relies almost entirely on a few individuals”.
The cathedral’s relationship with the community “feels distant and strained” the report says. “Many residents perceive it as focused on tourists rather than locals. This disconnect has led to frustration, missed opportunities, and weakened trust.”
Among senior clergy, working relationships have become “strained, creating an environment that makes collaboration and effective decision-making difficult”. Stipendiary clergy must commit themselves to gathering daily for shared prayer.
The cathedral’s annual report for 2024, which mentioned the struggles of the wider tourism sector, reported visitor figures 30 per cent below 2019 levels. The level of free reserves stood at £406,000 against annual expenditure of up to £960,000.
Many members of the cathedral’s team are praised in the visitation report, including the finance manager and chair of the finance committee, whose guidance must be implemented by the Dean and Chapter, it says.
The “vision and commitment” of the library development officer receives warm praise as does the “high standard” of the music department and the work of the education and pilgrimage office. Positive signs highlighted include increasing numbers of school and choir members presenting for confirmation.
The report expressed “deep concern” for the cathedral’s small clergy team (the Dean, two Canons, and one other priest), observing that “the weight of structural and operational challenges can easily overshadow their true calling as ministers of Word and Sacrament.”
The Bishop of St Davids, the Rt Revd Dorrien Davies, recognised steps already taken but said that the recommendations must be “progressed with clarity, purpose and due urgency”.
A report published this month by Theos described the “significant overhaul” of cathedral governance in the Church of England brought about by the Cathedrals Measure (2021) — a response to a series of crises, including bankruptcy (News, 18 May).