Christian protestors gathered outside Canterbury Cathedral to call for an end to a silent disco being held there to raise funds

Christian protestors gathered outside Canterbury Cathedral to call for an end to a silent disco being held there to raise funds.

Objectors faced the rain to say they did not want “an alcohol-fuelled rave to the music of Eminem in God's house”.

They sang hymns as up to 750 people entered the holy building to spend the night dancing to classic 1990s tracks at the sold-out event.

Church leaders say they need to reach out to younger people and find ways of raising the “large sums” the Cathedral requires to survive.

One protestor Tom Alberto said the cathedral is the “very birthplace” of Christianity.

“Saint Augustine landed here almost 1,500 years ago, it’s going to see a rave inside there tonight,” he continued.

“Alcohol is going to be served and music – it’s the very opposite of holy.

“It’s profane it is going to be played and, frankly, I was quite horrified to see the Church of England, the dean of the cathedral and the Archbishop were giving the okay on this.”

The disco will see headphone-wearing party-goers dancing to tracks from the likes of the Vengaboys and All Saints.

Church leaders say they need to reach out to younger people and find ways of raising the “large sums” the Cathedral requires to survive.

Those opposed to the event, led by Dr Cajetan Skowronski, have raised their concerns during a meeting with the Dean of Canterbury, The Very Reverend Dr David Monteith.

The disco, where alcohol is available is going ahead with the landmark’s historic Nave transformed into a dancefloor tonight and Friday night.

About 15 protestors could be seen under umbrellas singing several well and lesser-known hymns.

Speaking earlier this week, Dr Skowronski 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.

“Dr 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.”

Dr Skowronski argues no other religion would consider using a sacred building in this way.

“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,” he said.

“It’s an unprecedented way to use this sacred place. It looks like more Cathedrals will be used this way but Canterbury is the most important of them all.

“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.”

The Dean of Canterbury, The Very Reverend Dr David Monteith, insists 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.

“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.”

Serving as the main body of the building, the Nave is one of the key congregation points for religious services and extends from the entrance to the transepts/chancel.

The Martyrdom site of Becket’s murder is in the north-west transept.

It is expected that 750 people will attend each day, with two sessions on both the Thursday and Friday. Tickets were £25 - with VIP options up for grabs at £31 - but are now sold out according to the Cathedral.