Re: Re: reorganisation and destruction of irish catholic churches

prax: the historic arrangement of the choir (i.e. the sanctuary) does suggest some sort of ‘gathering’ of clergy (not just ministers) ‘around’ the bishop; in most cathedrals, a linear arrangement has developed, but in older churches (e.g. St John Lateran) the cathedra is in the apse and the canons and other clergy are arranged on either side. In some churches (e.g. S Clemente), the railed-in enclosure is even more obvious. So, some precedent.
apelles:yes, it just looks silly. I’m aware you can never judge a building purely from photographs, especially the state of the decoration.