Churches and Religion

Christ Church Cathedral and the neighbouring Whalebone Arch are two of Stanley's most iconic attractions, situated in the centre of Stanley on Ross Road and easily visible to cruise passengers as they make their journey to the shore.

Consecrated in 1892 by the first Bishop of the Falkland Islands, Waite Hockin Stirling, Christ Church Cathedral is the most southerly Anglican cathedral in the world. It has a tower with a ring of five bells and stained glass windows from the 19th and 20th century. Inside visitors will discover much about the history of the building and Christianity in the archipelago. Locally stitched needlepoint hassocks depict scenes from around the Islands. The pipe organ is still played regularly at services and special occasions.

Adjacent to the Cathedral is the Whalebone Arch, constructed from the jawbones of two blue whales in 1933 to commemorate a century of continuous British administration in the Islands. The gardens are a pleasant place to sit on sunny days and a favourite haunt for the young people of Stanley.

St. Mary's Catholic Church is an attractive example of a Victorian kit building, located on Ross Road opposite the Standard Chartered Bank. The coloured glass windows create a peaceful atmosphere inside.

The Tabernacle, United Free Church, is another Victorian kit building, situated on Barrack Street.

These three Christian churches hold Sunday Services, mid-week prayer groups and mass. Other faith groups are also represented in the Islands. The Bahá'í Faith has a strong local following. Full details are shown in the centre pages of the weekly paper, Penguin News on sale every Friday.