Sheffield Cathedral has been widely criticised on social media after announcing the closure of its choir over concerns that it is not diverse enough.
Dean, the Very Rev Peter Bradley, said the conclusion had been reached that "there needs to be significant change" in the music offered at the cathedral.
Following a review of the Music Department last year, the existing choir is to be disbanded and replaced with a new music team that will develop "a fresh vision of our worship", to be "ready for the exciting future of the mixed urban community in which we live and work".
In addition to replacing the choir, the cathedral is in the process of appointing a new Canon Precentor to "bring increased creativity and stability".
The Dean said the changes would offer the cathedral a "completely fresh start".
"As a result, Chapter concluded this is the right time to close the current Cathedral Choir," he said in a statement. CT.