Recently, I have become one of two administrators for a Facebook group for people who enjoy visiting churches. Collectively, these people are known as Churchcrawlers. Following the fire at Notre Dame de Patris, the group exploded into discussion about what should happen. The following is what I wrote after there had been much robust discussion.

I fear that some people have slightly “lost the run of themselves” regarding the fire at Notre Dame de Paris.

Like so many in the [Churchcrawling Facebook group] and around the world, I was very sad to see this great, beautiful and historic building and House of God suffer so much as a result of the fire. That it was during Holy Week was not lost on me either.

We are lucky that so much of the building, its interior, its contents and relics has been saved, despite the intense inferno in the roof. Thanks to both the modern day firefighters and the mediæval stone masons who built the vault.

We must remember that no human life was lost. For this we should be truly thankful.

I realize the importance of Notre Dame de Paris and its importance in the history and psyche of France, but it is a building.

I know that many churchcrawlers will have fond memories of the cathedral as it was and many will have an opinion on how it will rise again. But, I do not believe that here is the right place for petitions or discussion on how that rebuilding should be. Any such posts will not be approved by me, and I appeal that we leave such decisions to the government of France which is responsible for the cathedral.

Posts of photographs of the cathedral are, of course, welcome [in the group], but please can we limit it to ones that have not been posted before. Using your own photos is preferable to linking to news stories, twitter, or wherever else.

I hope that the nearly 14k members understand.

Readers of Gyronny Herald are welcome to join the Churchcrawling Group.