Rome’s Lateran cathedral (the Papal Archbasilica of St John Lateran) does not have a sanctuary in the current sense of the word, nor does St Paul Outside the Walls. These basilicas follow an earlier Roman practice, where the altar is free-standing on its own platform of several steps. The steps are narrowly limited by the
A place for everyone Read More »
At the Christchurch diocesan synod meeting last weekend, Church Property Trustees (the official owners of the cathedral), announced the decision about the earthquake-damaged cathedral in the Square. Of the three options (1.Restore; 2. Traditional; 3. Contemporary) they have decided that they will build a contemporary replacement. There was a formal question at synod about progress
Christchurch contemporary cathedral Read More »
Because of the destruction of so many church buildings through the Canterbury quakes, my series on church architecture has a particular poignancy. My posts have often been on some general principle or an individual aspect. On Thursday, 1 August, I attended a lecture by Dr Denis McNamara, an architectural historian and theologian at the Liturgical
Anticipated eschatology Read More »
Dr Denis McNamara, of the Liturgical Institute, Chicago, is an architectural historian and theologian. Dr. Denis McNamara is assistant director and faculty member at the Liturgical Institute of the University of Saint Mary of the Lake, a graduate programme in Liturgical Studies. He is in Christchurch at the invitation of the Catholic Bishop of Christchurch,
Church architecture Read More »
What do you do if you have too much consecrated bread and wine? Some, confusedly, think that the piscina (sacrarium) is the solution. It is not. There is the tradition, in church architecture, of having a piscina (sacrarium) near the altar, or in the vestry/sacristy. A piscina is a bowl with a drain that goes
throw out the consecrated bread and wine Read More »
There is discussion about the lack of participation of liturgists in the design of recent church buildings. There is a call for architects to be more concerned about making buildings that are appropriate spaces for people to worship in – individually and together; and less concerned about winning architectural awards. “The lack of integration between
art – spirituality – architecture Read More »
On Friday and Saturday we had a meeting of synod, the governing body of the Anglican Diocese of Christchurch. The primary agenda was the report of The Structural Review Group responding to earthquake damage and population movements. It has analysis and draft proposals. We received the report, grateful for all the hard work done, and
Christchurch synod favours contemporary cathedral Read More »
Three options have been unveiled for Christchurch cathedral, and with this a request for feedback and conversation. For some who are part of the community that gathers around this site, the Christchurch cathedral conversation is very significant. For others, I hope that you will be able to draw principles and reflections for your own different
