Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, Liverpool

Introduction

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King in Liverpool is England's largest Catholic Cathedral and the mother church of the Archdiocese of Liverpool. The cathedral was made Grade I listed in 2025.

History

In the mid-nineteenth century, plans were made for Liverpool's first Cathedral, designed by Edward Welby Pugin in Gothic style. The Cathedral project was put on hold and only the Lady Chapel was completed, later becoming a local parish church. In 1922 Archbishop Keating launched a fund to build a cathedral as a memorial to Archbishop Whiteside, and in 1930 the archdiocese purchased the Brownlow Hill site. Sir Edwin Lutyens was commissioned to design what would be the second largest church in the world, and the foundation stone was laid on 5 June 1933. Work on the crypt halted during the Second World War, and Lutyens died in 1944 while the crypt lay waterlogged and abandoned.

Architecture and furnishings

The Lutyens Crypt, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in the 1930s, is all that remains of his plan for a vast cathedral. The bell tower rises 80 feet above the main doors, with bronze doors by William Mitchell showing winged emblems of the four evangelists, and four bells named Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The lantern tower features a stained glass lantern designed by John Piper and Patrick Reyntiens, made of red, blue, and gold glass representing the Blessed Trinity. A baldacchino made from a lightweight tubular frame is suspended above the altar.

The Cathedral's circular layout allows the congregation to gather closely around the central altar, symbolising unity and shared worship, a bold expression of changes following the Second Vatican Council. In the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, a bronze figure to the left of the tabernacle is the work of Liverpool sculptor Arthur Dooley. In the West Apse, Sean Rice's bronze and mixed metal sculpture captures the moment Abraham's faith is tested and then restored. Upon the High Altar, Dame Elisabeth Frink's bronze figure of Christ, arms outstretched, conveys a gesture of all-embracing love.

The Cathedral Grand Organ was built by J W Walker and Sons in 1967, with its distinctive façade designed by the Cathedral architect, Sir Fredrick Gibberd. Within the Crypt, the Cathedral Treasury houses a collection of sacred vessels, vestments, and artefacts spanning centuries.

Music and liturgy

The Metropolitan Cathedral Choir sings at Mass every day during choir term, performs in concerts, appears on BBC broadcasts, and tours across the UK and abroad. The choir includes boy and girl trebles and adult lay clerks, with former choristers able to continue in the Youth Choir or as choral students, organ scholars, or cantors. During school holidays, visiting choirs from around the world lead music at the Cathedral's services. Visiting choirs are invited to sing at Sunday liturgies when the Cathedral Choir is not in residence, and may give informal recitals.

The Metropolitan Cathedral Youth Choir consists of former choristers and other young singers aged 14-21. The Cathedral also streams a small number of major celebrations each year, including the Chrism Mass and Christmas Day Mass.

Parish life

The Cathedral Guild of Guides, coordinated by a deacon, welcomes pilgrims and visitors. Cathedral priests and hospital chaplains are available to visit and offer the Sacrament of the Sick within the local area and local hospitals.

The Cathedral Archives hold an extensive collection of records, papers, and publications telling the story of Catholic life in Liverpool. Once a year, there is a preparation course for those who want to become Catholic, known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).

Sacraments and pastoral care

Children from the age of 8 are prepared to understand the meaning of the Eucharist and Holy Communion. Both young people and adults can be confirmed through the Archdiocesan programme.

Visiting

An immersive audio tour is available for self-paced exploration. The audio tour includes a track 'Memories of the Cathedral' covering key moments from 1967 to the 1982 Papal Visit. Audio tours are available in English, French, Italian, Spanish, Polish, and Chinese.

Photography is not permitted in the Crypt Treasury. The café and gift shop are closed, with a Welcome Centre planned.

The Lutyens Crypt and Treasury can be booked for special occasions including concerts and private events. The Archives are located on the mezzanine floor between the Cathedral and the Lutyens Crypt, and visits are by appointment only.

Step-free access is available via the Cathedral car park with designated accessible parking spaces and a lift to the main level. Wheelchairs are available to borrow from the Security Office in the car park. An induction loop system is fitted in the Cathedral and Crypt Chapel. Large-print service sheets are available at all Sunday services, choral services, and special liturgies.

Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the Cathedral. Breastfeeding is welcomed in any public area of the Cathedral.

The Cathedral car park has a height restriction of 7ft 6in and no overnight parking. The Crypt is accessible by a lift in the Rotunda, to the right of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.