How can cathedrals and churches engage with 21st Century visitors and give them an insight into their vibrant past?

This is the question being discussed at the next fringe meeting of THE General Synod of the Church of England in York will discuss ways to modernise when it meets on Saturday.

Steps are being taken to update the way people visit religious buildings by introducing smart-phone apps and interactive touch screens, after the University of York’s Centre for the Study of Christianity and Culture began using the technology.

Dr Dee Dyas, director of the centre, said: “People from all backgrounds are drawn to these wonderful buildings and many value them as particularly spiritual places. “However, We need to take stock and think carefully about how we explain the history and importance of these buildings to 21st-century audiences, as well as finding new ways of improving visitors’ enjoyment and experience.”

The fringe meeting will also see the launch of the English Cathedrals and Monasteries through the Centuries interactive DVD-ROM and a new online distance-learning course, both created by the centre.

The meeting will take place from 1.15pm to 2.15pm in the University’s Exhibition Centre, Room P/L002.