Should cathedrals charge entrance fees?

Should cathedrals charge visitors an entry fee? The issue has surfaced again because York Minister, which controversially introduced charges in 2003 to tackle an annual deficit of £600,000, has hiked them again.

The 50 pence rise introduced today isn’t much; adults will now have to pay £5.50, while students and senior citizens will have to fork out £4.50. But it is the principle of the thing. Why should anyone, even tourists, be forced to pay to enter cathedrals? Isn’t the spirituality of these buildings a free gift to all? Should the Church welcome the intrusion of Mammon into the domain of God?