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What is the difference between the chancel and the sanctuary?

I am referring to the layout of a church, of course. Some sources suggest that the chancel is part of the sanctuary near to the altar, whereas other sources seem to use the word chancel to describe the entire (raised) eastern end of a cruciform church. I suspect that the larger area, commencing (in the building to which I refer) at the wrought iron railings with a gate, is the sanctuary, and that the chancel is the defined area close to the altar with a smaller wooden topped rail. It's for a leaflet about the architecture of a former church, now used as an unrelated specialist museum. Can anyone advise me, please?

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  • Robert
    Lv 4
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    The sanctuary is the entire room in which the service is held. The "chancel" (which was always referred to as the altar area in the churches I attended) is the portion of the sanctuary that is front of the first row of seats and may or may not include the podium area from which the pastor preaches.

  • Anonymous
    5 years ago

    Wildlife Sanctuary is specific land set a side for Wildlife and usually privately owned land or land donated to Wildlife organisations. The Wildlife within this Sanctuary is protected by law, as is ALL native Wildlife. There is also Wildlife(fauna) in National Parks as well, and they are also protected by law. National Parks are government run, usually by someone like National Parks and Wildlife. Everything is protected in the National Park by law as well, including Trees and shrubs, flowers etc.(flora). Hope that helps

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