Christians are protesting a silent disco set to be held at Canterbury Cathedral as they fume over the "rave to Eminem in God’s house".
The sold-out two night event has been slammed as "absurd" and branded an "alcohol-fuelled rave" by critics.
Leaders at the Church say the event hopes to reach out to younger people and raise "large sums" to keep the Cathedral running.
The event will see people dancing to classic 1990’s tracks from the likes of the Vengaboys, All Saints and Eminem.
Christians are protesting a silent disco set to be held at Canterbury Cathedral as they fume over the 'rave to Eminem in God’s house'
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Concerns were raised to the Dean of Canterbury, the Very Rev David Monteith, but the disco - where alcohol will be available - is still set to go ahead.
Dr Cajetan Skowronski, a critic of the event, said: "While respectful of our right to protest, the Dean was dismissive of our petition, stating that we were an extreme minority – for not wanting an alcohol-fuelled rave to the music of Eminem in God’s house.
"Rev Monteith was convinced – with no evidence – that the majority of Christians would support this disco, and our petition and reasoned arguments could not change his mind.
"Discos and parties and things are absolutely great but only in their proper place – it’s all well and good in a nightclub but Canterbury Cathedral was not built for this.
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"It’s not going to make younger people take the Church more seriously, it’s not going to make people think Christians take their faith seriously – no other religions would do this and it’s not effective evangelism."
Rev Monteith insisted the silent disco will be "appropriate and respectful".
"Cathedrals have always been part of community life in a way much wider than their prime focus as centres of Christian worship and mission," he said.
"Whilst dancing of all different kinds has happened in the Cathedral over the centuries and The Bible memorably celebrates the gift of dancing with King David dancing before the Lord (2 Samuel 6) there are many different views on the secular and the sacred.
Concerns were raised to the Dean of Canterbury, the Very Rev David Monteith, but the disco - where alcohol will be available - is still set to go ahead. (Stock image)
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"Our 90s-themed silent disco will be appropriate to and respectful of the Cathedral. It is categorically not a ‘rave in the Nave’ but I appreciate that some will never agree that dancing and pop music have a place within cathedrals."
Around 750 people are expected to attend on each day, with two sessions on both Thursday and Friday.
Tickets were £25, but are now sold out according to the Cathedral.
