Transitional cathedral ruling

The Church Property Trustees have received a judgement from the High Court with regards to the use of insurance funds for the Transitional Cathedral in Christchurch.

The Trustees took the matter to the High Court wanting clarification as to whether they could use $4 million from an insurance claim as a result of damage to the Cathedral.

The ruling has found the Trustees acted outside the terms of the Cathedral Trust but that they were confronted with what could not be anticipated – the earthquakes in 2010 and 2011
‘The cumulative effect was disastrous, and meant that the Trustees were confronted with extraordinary issues in extraordinary times. Their actions are to be judged with this in mind.’

Panckhurst J (56)
The High Court ruling noted that the Trustees genuinely believed they were acting in the best interests of the Cathedral congregation and its ministry in using some of the funds as the earthquakes had affected the congregation and impacted severely on the Cathedral’s finances.

The judge has asked for further information to decide on the next step and outcomes as a result of the ruling.

The Bishop of Christchurch the Rt. Rev’d. Victoria Matthews says the clarification was needed and the Church is committed to the need of a transitional cathedral for the ministry and mission of the Cathedral and for the city.

“The life of the Cathedral in this city had to go on providing a place of worship as well as a place for the city to gather. The Transitional Cathedral as it nears completion is a sign of hope for the city and we need to gather away from the Square in order to come back to a Cathedral in the Square,” says Bishop Victoria.

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