The report, "Cathedrals and their communities", is the culmination of a year-long tour which saw the Minister for Faith, Lord Bourne visit all of England's 42 Anglican cathedrals to better understand their continued importance both to local communities and wider society.
The report highlights cathedrals as diverse churches that are not only important sacred centres of worship but also places of valued social support and community and interfaith engagement.
Minister for Faith Lord Bourne said: "There is no better time to remind ourselves of the strong role cathedrals play in our national life than at Christmas, as worshippers gather in naves across the country to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
"This year-long tour has given me a real understanding of how the innovation and vibrancy displayed by cathedral staff and their congregations is ensuring that these important churches continue to play a crucial role at the heart of local communities now and for centuries to come."
The Very Reverend Adrian Dorber, Chairman of the Association of English Cathedrals, also added:
"Lord Bourne's report is a really helpful endorsement of all that our English cathedrals are trying to be and do. We want to continue as places of welcome and be able to offer spiritual hospitality and friendship to all. We're grateful to the Government for taking the time and trouble to conduct such a thorough programme of visits and investigation and for finding out what we do and what our ambitions for the future are. I hope the report will be widely read."