Christchurch Cathedral sustained serious damage in the February 22nd and June 13th earthquakes in Christchurch. It was deconsecrated on Wednesday 9th November 2011 to allow a controlled deconstruction to commence.
Christchurch Cathedral Deconsecration Service
The deconsecration ceremony of Christchurch Cathedral was held outside the Cathedral which is in the Red Zone of Christchurch. Invited guests and the media were taken into the area by bus and their movements were limited to the central part of Cathedral Square.
For many of the people, it was the first time they had entered the CBD since the February earthquake and they were saddened to see the damage. An elderly lady commented that, “I couldn’t comprehend the extent of the destruction until I saw it with my own eyes.”
The service commenced just before 10am and guests were given a printed programme to follow. The Very Reverend Dean of Christchurch Cathedral, Peter Beck, welcomed the people and encouraged them by saying, “In confidence, hope and trust, we look forward to the future”.
Bishop Victoria Matthews Deconsecrates Christchurch Cathedral
After a hymn, a rendition of Psalm 23 by the Cathedral Choir and a Bible reading, Bishop Victoria Matthews read out the Sentence of Deconsecration which included the following: “On the first day of November in the year of our Lord 1881, by Henry John Chitty Harper, first Bishop of Christchurch, this building was duly dedicated and consecrated in honour of Jesus Christ.
The Sentence of Consecration has been in effect until this present date.
I, Victoria Matthews, eighth Bishop of Christchurch do hereby revoke the said Sentence and do remit this building and all objects remaining in it for any lawful and reptutable use, according to the laws of this land.”
Hope for the Future of Christchurch Cathedral
Both the Dean and Bishop made reference to the fact that the church is in fact the people rather than a building. They expressed sadness at the loss of the Cathedral but have hope for a new building to arise from the rubble. During her address, Bishop Victoria Matthews said, “In homelessness, God’s love is still with us.”
After the deconsecration, the Bishop then led the people in a Litany of Thanksgiving before the service closed with a hymn.
People milled around afterwards taking photographs and discussing the service. Most felt it was a step forward and that it would allow the church and city to move on with plans for the rebuilding of a much loved icon.
Debbie Roome - Debbie Roome is an award-winning freelance writer, journalist and novelist with over 25 years experience.
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