Declining and ageing congregations, crumbling buildings and fewer clergy mean some traditional Christian churches are reaching a crisis point. Earthquake-prone churches are common and so are smaller congregations. Declining attendance The most recent data on religious affiliation from the 2018 census shows 48.2 percent of us have no religion. The “nones” group is growing: the Read more
Churches in Masterton are included on the newly-updated public register of earthquake-prone buildings. They are among 79 such buildings in the Masterton District. Some of those buildings are in need of urgent work to bring them up to standard by 2026. In all cases, owners must fix their buildings within a given timeframe so they Read more
Telling parishioners their beloved parish church is earthquake-prone and must close can’t have been easy for Christchurch South parish priest Fr Peter Head. Head delivered the news after a notice from the Christchurch City Council informed him the Our Lady of the Assumption church building is earthquake-prone. Head says his first concern is for his Read more
Although Wellington icon St Gerard’s church and monastery has been declared earthquake-prone and will close next month, it is unlikely to be pulled down. While St Gerard’s future is ultimately up to the owners, the church – built in 1908 for the Redemptorists – could be deconsecrated so it could be used for events like Read more
A tiny earthquake-prone church, Father Garin’s chapel in Nelson’s Wakapuaka Cemetery will be restored – but it’s a long-term project, the Catholic Church says. The building is listed as a category one historic place, with “special or outstanding historical or cultural significance or value.” Garin arrived in Nelson in 1850 and worked for nearly 40 Read more
The decline in church attendance combined with insurance coverage for old and heritage buildings is causing church administrators some concern. This is particularly the case for heritage buildings where complex issues leave a great deal to consider. The comments come from brokerage firm Crombie Lockwood. Steve Walsham, group broking manager of Crombie Lockwood says that Read more