The feedback and comments from readers on the year-long series of articles on cathedrals [TLC, Aug. 5] indicate there are some misunderstandings around the Episcopal Church concerning the role of cathedrals. Surprisingly, many people do not realize cathedrals are the bishops' churches, the place where the bishop's cathedra, or chair, is kept. Hence cathedrals become the focal point of a bishop's ministry in the diocese.

For dioceses which have cathedrals, those churches can become gathering points for diocesan events -- ordinations, conventions, festivals and special occasions. One reader who claimed 50 years of membership in the Episcopal Church said he'd never visited the cathedral in his diocese. That is, of course, a shame, for cathedrals belong to the people of a diocese as much as members of a resident congregation.

We hope cathedrals will become more intentional about inviting the people of the diocese to visit. And we hope Episcopalians will be more proactive visiting their cathedrals. It can be a rewarding experience.