Anglican Church breaks silence on Christchurch Cathedral

Posted by Kendall Harmon

...today the Diocese of Christchurch issued a statement saying it is considering all options for all of its churches, buildings and other facilities following the recent quakes.

"This is a challenging and complex process and extensive consultation is required with a range of stakeholders along with the need to commission expert analysis and technical reports," said Bishop Victoria Matthew.

"With all sites, including the Christchurch Cathedral in the central city, safety is the first priority.

"A final decision won't be made until all of the information and reports are received by the various church entities and the options and ramifications considered.

Read it all.

Filed under: * Anglican - Episcopal • Anglican Provinces • Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia • * Christian Life / Church Life • Parish Ministry • * General Interest • Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, Tornadoes, Hurricanes, etc.

6 Comments
Posted October 26, 2011 at 7:54 am [Printer Friendly] [Print w/ comments]



1. evan miller wrote:

The Germans rebuilt their devastated cathedrals to their original designs following WWII.  I think NZ should do the same with Christchurch Cathedral.  Please don’t leave the city impoverished by its loss and throw up some ghastly modernist pile in its place.

October 26, 9:33 am | [comment link]
2. Grant LeMarquand wrote:

Yes. But sadly the German cathedrals are all but empty…

October 26, 10:00 am | [comment link]
3. evan miller wrote:

Yet they remain.  Testimony to the faith of those who built them and to the Christian foundations of Europe.

October 26, 10:07 am | [comment link]
4. clarin wrote:

Germany is on a teutonic plate, not a tectonic one.
Still, it will have to deal with another Richter.

October 26, 10:09 am | [comment link]
5. tjb381 wrote:

This has to be a difficult decision and hopefully wise and careful men and women will select the best option. 

This disaster is unlike the post referenced above WW Germany buildings that were bombed.  I am not a design engineer however it would be different to rebuild in a stable area than to rebuild with the realistic consideration another earthquake is probably in the future.  Engineering for earthquakes has developed since the original design of Christchurch. 

I have nothing but the utmost respect for the resiliency and dedicated spirit of the people of Australia and New Zealand.  When I visited there I absolutely fell in love with the area. I have trust that IF it is determined reconstruction of the existing facility is not a viable option they will replace using essentials that were not destroyed and can be transferred to a new facility and the new facility will be tastefully constructed.  Whatever happens I know I would be willing to contribute to the reconstruction or replacement of the Cathedral whatever the best decision.

October 26, 10:20 am | [comment link]
6. Creedal Episcopalian wrote:

Germany is on a tectonic plate, it’s just not right on the edge where all the fun happens. Of the plate that is. Now, as to being on the edge of an economic abyss….

As far as rebuilding to the original design, it would be foolish to build another pile of stones in an earthquake zone. Might as well build on sand. But pre-stressed reinforced concrete could actually lend itself to Gothic architecture. Or, save some time and money! I hear the crystal cathedral is on the block.

October 26, 10:59 am | [comment link]
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