..College chaplains have seen a steady but noticeable increase in attendances at the early evening services which combine contemplative music with the 16th Century language of the Book of Common Prayer.<\/p>\n
It mirrors a similar trend reported by cathedrals across England for growing congregations at choral midweek services, which appears to challenge the view that the church is in irreversible decline.<\/p>\n
Chaplains say the mix of music, silence and centuries-old language appears to have taken on a new appeal for a generation more used to instant and constant communications, often conducted in 140 characters rather than the phrases of Cranmer.<\/p>\n
Neil McCleery, assistant chaplain of New College, one of Oxford\u2019s oldest and grandest chapels, said it was now rare to see an attendance below 150 at a weekend evensong..<\/p>\n