ST GEORGE'S CATHEDRAL DEFENDS RAVE EVENT

'We need to get youngsters into these spaces'

- GENEVIEVE SERRA

THE St George's Cathedral has defended the church's decision to permit a Rise and Rave event that saw revellers gather there on Youth Day.

The decision, however, has ignited outrage and shock among clergymen from across the Western Cape, who labelled it an "abomination" and a blasphemous act.

The church's Facebook account was flooded with angry comments from the public after photographs of the rave were posted, showing people dancing.

But in defence of the decision, Very Reverend Terrence Lester, the 16th Dean of Cape Town and Rector of St George’s Cathedral, said the church was an ideal venue for an expression of freedom and was inclusive of accepting the youth.

"This cathedral church has always sought to be a welcoming space for all and any across gender, race, religious conviction, a non-judgmental and safe-to-gather space," Lester said.