The Diocese of Christchurch Synod has given overwhelming endorsement to the most modern of the three concepts for a new cathedral in the Square.

On the Saturday afternoon, the Synod heard a presentation from the Cathedral Project Group and Warren & Mahoney about the three cathedral options – restored, traditional or contemporary.

Bishop Victoria asked the 220-odd synod members and observers for a show of hands to indicate which option they favoured.

There were precisely no hands raised in support of the stone-for-stone restoration.

Perhaps ten were raised in favour of the traditional option.

But when Bishop Victoria asked for an indication of support where the contemporary version is concerned, there was a forest of raised hands.

There are a few clergy, however, who raised reservations about the interior plan of the contemporary scheme.

Bosco Peters, Peter Carrell and Andrew Allan-Johns suggested an ‘Option 3b’ which, they claim, would allow greater flexibility of use, and be a “21st century cathedral for a 21st century church.”