The new thinking marks a departure from the construction plan on Armagh Street.

As part of the change in thinking, Bishop Gielen has initiated consultations with professional specialists and within the diocese to gauge opinions on the most suitable site for the Christchurch Cathedral.

Highlighting the transformation in global circumstances since the initial decision in 2019, Bishop Gielen cited

• the COVID-19 pandemic,
• the Abuse in Care Royal Commission findings, and
• the significant rise in inflation as factors necessitating a reevaluation of the cathedral's construction.

Clarity a priority

In a letter to the Christchurch diocese, Gielen emphasised the urgency of clarity regarding the Christchurch cathedral, stating that it's time for decisiveness.

The new Christchurch bishop says it has taken time to get to know the diocese and engage with various faith communities.

A recurring theme in his discussions with diocese members is the need for clarity about the cathedral's location.

Gielen envisions a Christchurch cathedral that is aesthetically pleasing, timeless, and represents their faith tradition.

"My vision is that our new Cathedral is beautiful, timeless in design and is a worthy house that honours God and respresents our faith tradition.

"It must be a place where all feel welcome so we can continue to foster the faith we have received and to grow in our own call to holiness.

"It will be a unique place of worship that current and future generations will be proud of," writes Gielen

He then addressed the key question of the cathedral's location, proposing three potential sites:

• Barbadoes Street - the site of the former cathedral
• Armagh Street - until this letter the current proposed site
• Manchester Street, the site of the St Mary's pro-cathedral.

In his letter to the diocese, Gielen explained that each site was evaluated based on its historical and spiritual significance, its capacity to support additional facilities, future growth potential, accessibility, parking, and financial viability, considering the diocese's broader financial obligations and responsibility towards those harmed in Church care.

Gielen says his preference for Barbadoes Street is rooted in the diocese's humble and historic beginnings.

He shared his personal connection to the site, having lived there for the past 18 months, and highlighted its spiritual significance, larger size, financial viability, and accessibility compared to the other sites.

Actively looking for feedback

However, Gielen says that while his considered view is the Barbadoes Street site, he is open to feedback.

He is now inviting the Catholic community in Christchurch to reflect on this crucial decision and share their thoughts.

He plans to consider the community's input before making a final decision.

The diocese will engage in a three-month period of dialogue and discernment, including a survey on 18 December where people can express their views.

The final decision will be based on various factors, including parish group feedback, technical and financial considerations, stakeholder feedback, and guidance from diocesan advisory bodies.

Sources

• Catholic Diocese of Christchurch
• Frequently Asked Questions
• CathNews NZ

Earlier this year, after opposition from a small group of parishioners, Bishop Michael Gielen paused plans for the new central city precinct.

On Sunday, Gielen wrote to congregations saying the diocese's post-earthquake project - including most parish mergers - could go ahead after all.

The plan

The "post-earthquake" plan includes building a new $40m cathedral on a half-hectare church-owned site opposite Victoria Square.

Next to it, private developer Philip Carter will build offices and a parking building along with an adjacent school at the end of the block.

The plan also includes merging suburban parishes and selling the excess land - as well as the land on the earthquake-damaged cathedral site.

All up, the plan is priced at $100 million. Diocesan general manager Simon Thompson says funding is not dependent on the diocese's plans for the suburbs.

Engaging with Rome

One of the concerns which the parishioners opposing the plan complained of to Rome related to suburban parishes. The plan involved parish mergers and selling excess sites, reducing 12 city churches to five.

This plan did not cater for parishioners' spiritual needs, the parishioners claimed.

Meanwhile, Gielen was waiting for guidance,which came in the form of a letter from the Vatican.

Anxious to resolve the two-pronged precinct and parish merger issues, Gielen also contacted Rome - in person.

The diocese was keen to clarify "muddy waters" after receiving a legal letter from the Vatican about the project.

The letter from the Vatican had been written in Latin, Thompson says.

So while Gielen was in Europe for the World Youth event, he went to Rome and "knocked on a few doors". The project just couldn't stay in limbo forever.

Getting out of limbo

Gielen says after meeting Vatican officials, he was advised Rome would hear the parishioners' petition relating only to the Christchurch South parish.

That means other complaints that had been delaying the project were no longer sticking points. The plan could now go ahead, Gielen says.

The question now is "How is God calling us to administer our parish and resources?" to meet the diocese's core mission.

The established parish boundaries would remain, Gielen says.

"It is my heartfelt belief that consolidation ... of our capital resources ...will help create more vibrant faith communities."

Gielan also says he's following up the best advice available for the cathedral precinct project.

He has not yet confirmed whether the cathedral will be built to replace the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament which was destroyed in the 2011 earthquakes.

The diocese says it will announce more details about this by December.

Gielan has promised to keep the community updated about progress.

Source

• NZ Catholic Bishops Conference
• The Press
• The Press
• Stuff