[RNZ] The Proposed Christchurch Replacement District Plan moves from giving churches special recognition to treating them in the same way as cinemas and sports clubrooms.

Under the current District Plan spiritual activities involving churches are treated separately to other activities that involve large gatherings.

The plan says this is in recognition of the service churches provide to the community, not only each Sunday but also through food banks and as places for the community to gather.

This means that churches are able to continue operating in largely residential areas, where other organisations and businesses, such as cinemas and sports clubs, are prevented from operating.

Anglicans and Catholics have both made submissions on the proposed plan changes and say under the new rules this special recognition disappears.

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