Christchurch cathedral becomes earthquake ruin, for now
Parts of the Christchurch Anglican Cathedral will be demolished and other bits propped up until authorities decide what to do about it
It took the Canterbury earthquakes a few seconds to achieve what 100 years of creeping secularism has failed to do.
The Christchurch Square Cathedral will no longer hold pride of place as a gathering place for dwindling numbers of Anglicans nor a centre for civic and commercial functions.
The building will be propped up, and some parts demolished until authorities can decide what to do with it.
A decision reached this week recognises that the edifice is a high public danger.
And the building will no longer be the spiritual centre of Anglicans in Christchurch.
Bishop Victoria Matthews will deconsecrate the Cathedral, to move the building from sacred to secular use, according to religious beliefs.
The church has owned the land under the Cathedral since the early settlers arrived.
Church leaders have yet to decide where and how to replace the Cathedral as a place of worship.
One idea being investigated is to build a temporary cardboard cathedral until decisions are made to either rebuild or repair.
Some locals have mooted the idea of leaving it as a relic or memorial to the earthquakes.
Making the bulding safe will cost $4 million. Rebuilding options would leave a $30 million shortfall, church officials said.
Chris Hutching
Fri, 28 Oct 2011
Fri, 28 Oct 2011
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Christchurch cathedral becomes earthquake ruin, for now
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