Is the Anglican Church selling out Tasmania?

"The Anglican Church in Tasmania is proposing to sell over 120 properties to fund its projected obligations to provide redress for survivors of child sexual abuse. 

This sacrifice expresses the church’s desire to provide restorative justice, recognition and support to survivors for the wrongs they have experienced by past leaders of the church.

So, who is responsible for paying for these wrongs? As the current members of the church didn’t perpetrate the wrongs, one might think they should not have to pay.But the church should pay, because taking collective responsibility for past wrongs is not only right it is profound and powerful."

 Anglican Diocese of Tasmania. 

Congregations throughout Tasmania are reeling. Many congregations and communities are desperately searching for ways to have their churches removed from the list or buy out to set up as community churches and chapels. 

In a nut shell, the Dioceses has decided to sell off half of the Church's properties! Predominantly in small rural areas and of buildings of historical significance. Claiming those earmarked are 'unsustainable' in the long term. Although a cynical mind might add that these will also be the easiest to sell and at higher value than later built structures. Forgetting of course that congregations have waxed and waned since the 1950's. Yes things are currently in a period of decline, but that may change. People often return to something familiar and safe when times become difficult. 

There have been claims that a building is just a building, but I'd beg to differ. These churches have historically been the epicentre of communities, generation upon generation. If the church is failing to fill the pews - then perhaps it is a failing of the church(s) to remain current and relevant. If religion is no longer relevant in today's society why then the phenomenon of the mega-church or the growing success of Riverlink in the Tamar Valley. 

These examples make it clear that there is still a need and willingness to connect to faith. Which means the failing is with us - as a church. 

The only real way to keep these assets within the Anglican family, is to fill those pews. Night / evening services for those unable to be there on Sunday's due to family, sport, work or other commitments. Run High Anglican Services AND more 'middle of the road' services out of the same church. 'All creatures great and small' services for those who's families include the furred and feathered. Younger clergy - and perhaps more 'Gosford Anglican' style 'rebels'. 'Secular' services open to those families and friends who belong to other denominations and even atheists. 

For the Anglican Church to survive, grow and survive - it is not enough to have a structure. The Anglican Church MUST reengage with community, from within the community itself. It is little wonder that churches / congregations such as St. Andrews at Evandale are struggling to survive - in fact this probably one won't - which is utterly mind boggling for a busy and growing town, with an enormous weekend market and tourist destination, but churches like this one, don't stand a chance when the local Reverend is forced to divide time and energy across multiple churches in multiple towns, rather than 'of the town, in the town'.

Yes, Bishop Condie is correct, there must be redress for the sins of the past - but NOT at the expense of neutering the Anglican Church in Tasmania. 

For those of us wishing to voice our displeasure:

Attention: The Right Revd Dr Richard Condie
Bishop of Tasmania

Anglican Diocese of Tasmania

Level 1, 125 Macquarie Street
Hobart TAS 7000

GPO Box 748
Hobart TAS 7001 

Phone: 03 6220 2020
Email: registry@anglicantas.org.au

Last thing, if your community is in the firing line - I'd love to hear from you.