About us – who we are
The beginnings
The inaugural meeting of what was to become the Pilgrims’ Association was held in London in 1981. A group of representatives, mainly from Church of England Cathedrals were concerned that visitor numbers were growing to such an extent that in some cases the traditional ‘ministry of Welcome’ was under threat. It was agreed to create a forum in which those responsible for the care and welcome of pilgrims, tourists and visitors could meet and exchange ideas and experiences and pass on solutions to problems that had been encountered. It was, in fact, the first collaborative initiative amongst Cathedrals representing a specific aspect of their work, and has since been followed by others covering such interests as finance, libraries and music.
The Association Today
Over the years since then membership of the Association has expanded. It has now been joined by almost all the Church of England cathedrals, three Anglican cathedrals in Wales and three in Ireland, three of the Metropolitical Roman Catholic cathedrals, the Methodist Central Hall and Wesley’s Chapel together with several Abbeys and major churches. It can be seen, therefore, to be both ecumenical and international.
Governance
The Association is a fully democratic institution governed by a Council of fifteen members elected for a three-year term on a rotational basis at the Annual General Meeting. It is a registered charity with the Council Members acting as trustees and is responsible to the Charity Commission for the proper conduct of its affairs. The current Chairman is the Very Reverend Keith Jones, Dean of York.