The Rt. Rev. Peter Carrell, Bishop of Christchurch, responds to the murder of 49 Muslims in two mosques in the New Zealand city: Church leaders are absolutely devastated at the unprecedented situation in Christchurch this afternoon and our hearts and prayers go to all involved. No religious organisation or group deserves to be the target of someone’s hate — regardless of … [Read more...] about Christchurch Leaders Are Devastated
Diocese of Christchurch
A New Day in Christchurch
The Rev. Peter Carrell, bishop-elect of Christchurch, New Zealand, will be consecrated and installed Feb. 9 as work on the diocese’s earthquake-damaged cathedral proceeds. His consecration begins at 11 a.m. (NZDT) at Christchurch Boys High School Auditorium. His installation will follow at 3 p.m. on Cathedral Square. The cathedral was all but destroyed by an earthquake in … [Read more...] about A New Day in Christchurch
A New Post-earthquake Church
A new “church from scratch” built after the earthquakes in Christchurch, New Zealand, will be consecrated early next year. The members of All Souls Church began using their new building on the parish’s feast day in early November, and the Bishop-elect Peter Carrell dedicated the church Nov. 3. Carrell will return to the church early in 2019 with Archbishop Philip Richardson, … [Read more...] about A New Post-earthquake Church
Peter Carrell to Lead Christchurch
The Ven. Peter Carrell will become the ninth Bishop of Christchurch, succeeding the Rt. Rev. Victoria Matthews. The diocese nominated Carrell, and the General Synod Te Hīnota Whānui confirmed the choice. “Peter’s experience and gifts are widely appreciated across our church, and his deep knowledge of the diocese and love for its people provides a solid foundation for his … [Read more...] about Peter Carrell to Lead Christchurch
Departures from Christchurch
Four congregations have announced they intend to separate from the Diocese of Christchurch, New Zealand. Their action protests General Synod’s decision on May 9 to authorize marital blessings for same-sex couples. Archbishop Philip Richardson is in discussions with the vicars of the four communities: Jay Behan (St. Stephen’s, Shirley), James de Costabadie (St. John’s, Latimer … [Read more...] about Departures from Christchurch
Bp. Victoria Matthews to Resign
After almost 10 tumultuous years at the helm of the Diocese of Christchurch, New Zealand, Bishop Victoria Matthews has announced her plan to resign on May 1. “This beautiful diocese has been through many challenges brought about by earthquakes, wind, fire, and floods,” she said in a special edition of Christchurch’s Anglican e-Life newsletter. “But through it all, people … [Read more...] about Bp. Victoria Matthews to Resign
Lost in the Ruins
The 225-member synod of the Diocese of Christchurch will vote in September on the future of its earthquake-stricken cathedral, Bishop Victoria Matthews said. There has been a six-year impasse about the future of the city-center landmark. During an earthquake in 2011 that registered 6.5 on the Richter scale, the spire and tower of the building collapsed and rendered it … [Read more...] about Lost in the Ruins