Acknowledging management is too-often "under-resourced", leaders are proposing new measures to ensure each of England's 42 Anglican cathedrals can access adequate expertise.
In a new report, which follows an investigation announced in April last year, they wrote: "Recent failures of governance and management within a small number of cathedrals have highlighted vulnerabilities and weaknesses across the sector, many of which have a financial basis."
In December 2016, Premier reported on a "cash flow crisis" at Peterborough Cathedral (pictured) which prompted the Church of England paying more money to help ensure the landmark could pay its bill.
Under the proposals, each cathedral would establish a nominations and development committee to monitor governance and management.
Chair of the Church of England's Cathedrals Working Group - which compiled the report - the Bishop of Stepney, Rt Rev Adrian Newham told Premier: "Cathedral congregations are growing, visitor numbers are remarkable.
"Cathedrals have this growing influence in society; they're at the heart of national life.
"They contribute to the common good; they're resonating with the spiritual search of contemporary society.
"These are just the most amazing structures... but the maintenance [costs] of them is incredibly severe."
The working group's report also said: "Without robust financial management, the sustainability of cathedrals is at risk.
"Given their often-substantial outgoings and obligations, cathedral finances are under considerable pressure, and yet their management is often under-resourced for the tasks they need to undertake."
Recognising building projects as the "largest episodic financial risk" cathedrals face, the Church urges staff to seek "high quality advice" before embarking on renovations.
It also calls for dialogue between the Church and the Government over using taxpayers' money to ensure cathedrals will still exist for future generations.
Stopping short of calling for cathedral governing bodies - Chapters - to be scrapped, the Church of England said at least two-thirds of members should not be clergy, to ensure people with necessary skills are there.
Click here to listen to Premier's Cara Bentley speaking with Bishop Adrian Newham:
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