The Functions of a Cathedral

There are many functions fulfilled by a cathedral. Perhaps the one that causes most confusion is its function as the bishop's "seat", or cathedra.

A Cathedral is a church that is designated to serve as the central church for its Diocese (a geographic and administrative affiliation of churches). The Diocese is headed by the Bishop, and the Cathedral is the church in which he is centred.

The Cathedral itself is under the pastoral care of priests known as Canons, the head of which is the Cathedral’s Dean, who serves as the Bishop’s representative.

Ripon Cathedral is unusual in that, in common with only one other Cathedral in the country, it also has a function as a Parish Church. We believe this gives us added focus on the pastoral aspect of our work and bonds us closely to the local community.