Canterbury Cathedral slammed for £950 retreat that 'sounds like a spa weekend'

24 February 2024 , 18:59

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The costly stay at Canterbury Cathedral is being staged during Holy Week (Image: Getty Images)

Heaven only knows what Christians will make of the Church of England putting on a £950-a-head retreat during Lent.

The costly stay at Canterbury Cathedral is being staged during Holy Week, the most serious part of Lent, when Christians traditionally fast and pray. The four-night, full-board package promises guests the chance “to immerse themselves” with three-course dinners and various special activities.

An advert promising exclusive access suggests there “may be opportunities to interact” with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. The Rev Fergus Butler-Gallie, an assistant priest at Holy Trinity Sloane Square in central London, blasted the four-night event as crass and making Lent “sound like a spa weekend”.

An advertisement for the Holy Week Retreat

He added: “Lent is supposed to be a time when we put aside luxuries... it looks very out of touch to make it appear the main source of our comfort regardless of circumstance – God – is available to buy as a luxury item.” Another critic said: “Any free places for the poor? I doubt it.”

Canterbury Cathedral said: “Our Holy Week Retreat is an opportunity for people to take time out... and to have the space to think deeply about their faith. It is not a ‘luxury break’, and there is no suggestion of privileged paid-for access to the Archbishop.”

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