THE issue of charging tourists an entry fee to York Minster is being discussed again. As a background to such debates, certain facts must be considered.
The Minster receives no state funding but must raise all the money needed to keep the cathedral open and safe. Voluntary donations did not provide enough funds to do this.
Tourist admission charges were introduced to stave off financial meltdown. Worshippers don't pay to enter services but they do contribute to the upkeep of their place of worship, as do committed Christians elsewhere. This is entirely voluntary.
Salvation is the free gift of God. Maintaining ancient and beautiful buildings does cost a lot of money.
Robert Taylor,
Albermarle Road, York.
Updated: 11:04 Saturday, September 04, 2004
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