i know i am going to loose it since its surrounded by enemy civs since their culture has cut it off, and i dont want to lose loads of money or science! how can i just abandon my own city? short of giving it away?

No, you can't destroy your own cities anymore.The only situation were you can raze a city is the moment you conquer it.

can i at least sell off the parts of it? like cathedrals etc?

Gift it to someone you want to war with... Move all your units out before hand, then attack it when you war... Should really do this the turn you decide to war them though, or else keep it for a few turns until you do...

I miss being able to rename them also. maybe in a later patch?

I miss being able to rename them also. maybe in a later patch?

You can rename by clicking on the city name in the city details window.

I'll remember that. thanks & coolness.