Bishop's attitude to Cathedral 'bizarre'

Offers of help for Cathedral restoration 'resented' PHILIP BURDON

Joseph Johnson/Fairfax NZ

ICONIC HERITAGE: The Anglican Cathedral is the oldest in NZ and has the highest heritage listing possible.

Nothing would symbolise survival, rebirth and memorial so dramatically as the restoration of the Christ Church Cathedral, writes Philip Burdon

The legacy of the earthquake is a devastated and broken city that has shown a brave and determined ambition to recover and rebuild.

The Arts Centre, the Canterbury Museum and the very badly damaged Provincial Council Chambers have all committed to a restoration programme that has the support and endorsement of their governing bodies.

Of the iconic symbols of the history and heritage of the city, only the cathedral remains an issue of bitter contention and debate.

The cathedral was, and remains, the physical symbol of the deeply religious convictions and beliefs of the founding fathers of the Canterbury Settlement.

Its 40-year construction remains a permanent monument to the tenacity of the Anglican Church and the commitment of the broader community to dignify the city of Christchurch with an appropriate physical presence.

The cathedral was the first Anglican cathedral in New Zealand to be completed and it remains the oldest Anglican Cathedral in the country. In architectural terms it is distinguished as the only building in Australasia designed by Sir George Scott, the pre-eminent Victorian church architect.

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Bishop's attitude to Cathedral 'bizarre'