Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Christchurch churches faces difficult rebuild decisions

Questions are being asked about how many of the dozens of churches affected by the Christchurch earthquake can be rebuilt.

Along with the devastation to well-known Anglican and Catholic cathedrals, there is damage to churches right across the city.

Following the September and February earthquakes, 23 Anglican, 12 Presbyterian and 10 Catholic churches have been left with serious damage.

At least three Methodist churches are unusable, and the Durham Street Church, where three people died, has been destroyed.

Church officials will need to consider land and building suitability, and the impact of the falling number of parishioners when considering whether to rebuild.