You may have heard on Radio NZ news (11 August) that the Cathedral caught on fire in the early hours of this morning.

I was able to visit earlier this morning and see inside the building: although there is extensive damage, it is repairable. Our thoughts and Prayers are very much with Fr Tony Curtis and the whole Cathedral Family.

Although the Church is always more than buildings, these are precious to us and we all feel the pain when one of us is hurt. We are nothing if not  a people of hope, and built on the foundation of Jesus Christ, we can be confident of his presence with us now. 

+ Steven

Hope St Paul's Cathedral in use soon. Despite fire tearing through a Dunedin cathedral, its dean hopes services will resume on Sunday (Otago Daily Times, 12 August 2020)

Bishop on Dunedin Cathedral fire - There has been a fire at Dunedin's St Paul's Cathedral. Bishop of Dunedin, Steven Benford speaks to Kim Hill.