The community is fighting back against the proposed sale of two churches at Mount Vincent and Weston, which are planned to go under the hammer in order to fund redress measures for survivors of childhood abuse.
At a public meeting last Sunday, 170 members of Christ Church Mount Vincent and St Mary’s Weston argued against the sale - believing selling off the Parish is not a viable solution.
Convener of the Community and Congregation group, Barbara McPhee says there was great community opposition.
"There was not one dissenting voice at that meeting, everybody felt betrayed, sold out, afraid, confused...you know why would someone suddenly say you're not of any use or value we'll sell you as we see fit."
The Parish is now calling on the Bishop to recognise the church's value and to look to other measures to fulfil the redress.
"It's not a matter of we're not willing to support the redress...absolutely we are supporting that, but we are not for sale just to support someone's idea of a different kind of church," she said.
Submissions to the Bishop and Diocesan Council against the sale will close on August 10.
Community members against the sale of the churches or wish to gain more information are encouraged to join an online Facebook Group.
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| Image: Anglican Newcastle |
