Heritage New Zealand and witnesses for the city council are opposing the plans because they believe there are options that would do less damage to the fabric of the building. Anglican Archbishop Emeritus Sir David Moxon, who grew up in Palmerston North and was an All Saints parishioner, said the current layout of the church worked against some basic Christian values. The church should be open and inviting, with a hospitable gathering space at the front.
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Concept designs for enhancements to the front of Palmerston North s All Saints Church. He said the location of the font in a baptistery, a “tomb-like” out-of-the-way space, was out of keeping with theology.