Money for Notre Dame

[FlorayG]

John Humphries was interviewing a bishop this morning and I was cheering him on.
Basically he was asking why all this money should be raised for a building when there are people starving or homeless all over the world.
I'm in total agreement.
Does the Catholic Church own Notre Dame? If so, I think they should give all those millions (potentially billions) to a good cause and leave the building in ruins as a reminder of what's more important these days.
What's your opinion?

[Smilesonfaces]

I believe the French State owns Notre Dame not the Catholic Church.
It is a beautiful, historic building and deserves to be rebuilt. Hope Macron doesn’t ask the EU to contribute though. I don’t think Brexit Britain could cope !

[traleegirl]

Having seen the genuine anguish and grief on the faces of French people I’m glad for the donations. The same people need hope, and if the donations give them that, it's money well spent.

[Mr Tom Morrow]

Going to be an emotive post this one.

However having worked in Construction I can say there is no middle ground due to the safety issues. It either has to be stabilised and rebuilt or demolished.

Far too much structure left to leave it as it currently is. Going to cost Millions of Euros just to stabilise it. Nightmare job as that work has to pay due regard to the fact it is so old and preservation is harder than a new build.

[Dave+Hel]

Originally Posted by FlorayG

John Humphries was interviewing a bishop this morning and I was cheering him on.
Basically he was asking why all this money should be raised for a building when there are people starving or homeless all over the world.
I'm in total agreement.
Does the Catholic Church own Notre Dame? If so, I think they should give all those millions (potentially billions) to a good cause and leave the building in ruins as a reminder of what's more important these days.
What's your opinion?

See more...

I see where you are coming from but people have donated money specifically for that cause. Surely people have the right to do what they want to do with that money

[Moorlandman]

The money could rehome all of the homeless in France!

[Dougie]

I agree with him too. Whilst Notre Dame is a historic building, it's just that... a building.

I have just had a quick Google and it is owned by the French State but the RC church is the main beneficiary due to son law a couple if centuries ago.

Don't get me wrong, I am sure the businessmen do donate to charity but priorities as skewed.

[ely3857]

I agree. It’s a building at the end of the day. While I wouldn’t wish it any harm, the fact millions and millions of euros can be raised for a building in moments is beyond belief.

[Omega1]

I was interested to hear the emphasis in Macron’s speeches in relation to Notre Dame - embedded in French culture, the mother church of the French people, rebuilding an opportunity for the nation to come together with their national project, etc. He then promptly launched an international fundraising campaign.
I do think this wonderful building should be restored but just got a sense that Macron should be a little less nationalistic if he wants international support.

[Mickey's Magic]

I think its up to the individual as to what they want to donate to.