The Anglican Parish of St Luke’s in the City is to close on 18 October this year, its Feast day, St Luke’s Day. This was decided at a Special General Meeting held on 2 May 2021. The recommendation to close will go to Synod to be ratified in September.
- For 162 years St Luke’s has been a liberal voice for the gospel in the heart of Christchurch, sustained by a deep commitment to a contemplative style of spirituality and outreach.
- Since the earthquakes St Luke’s has been at various venues but has not found a permanent home, and congregation numbers have declined.
- Currently the former site of St Luke’s Church is leased to the Side Door Arts Trust who have the 185 white chairs art installation there.
St Luke’s parishioners are grieving deeply over the loss of their parish, but are also courageously looking forward. The parish is not merging with another but closing and their assets are being gifted to both the Cathedral and the Cathedral Reinstatement fund.
Rev’d Peter Beck says, “Parishioners are very clear that they would like the financial assets of the parish to be invested by the Church Property Trustees in order to fund a fulltime priest or deacon as part of the Cathedral team. This person’s main ministry focus will be chaplaincy to the inner city (e.g. to businesses, to ministries engaging with those who are poor, to the creative arts) as well as ensuring that a regular celebration of the Eucharist in the St Luke’s style is maintained at the Cathedral. Parishioners would also like funds to be available to support contemplative spirituality projects as well as social justice and service projects in the inner city.”
Additionally, once the Side Door Arts Trust’s lease is finished, in 2023, the parish recommends that the land be sold, with preference for a sale which leads to positive ’social impact investment’ and the proceeds be contributed to the Cathedral Project.
The Special Parish Meeting’s full parish resolution for recommendation to Synod can be St Luke's Resolution. .
A Media Release can be St Lukes Media Statement.