Anglican Bishop of Newcastle Dr Peter Stewart has written to the people of the parish of Woy Woy to inform them of potential church closures.
“I have found myself wrestling deeply with the right direction for the parish of Woy Woy,” Dr Stewart said.
“I envisage that the Diocese may look to focussing all of the Parish ministry at St Lukes as part of endeavouring to rationalise our resources for mission,” he said.
“I hope that we might have some clear plans in place by November 30 with a view to their implementation before the end of 2019.”
Congregations have been informed their feedback needs to be sent to the Diocesan Council in the form of a considered response from each parish by August 10.
“As a Diocesan family, we have recognised that the status quo is not an option,” Dr Stewart said.
“We know that we are capital rich but cash poor,” he said.
“The questions we need to explore will have the effect of disturbing many communities.
“The formal decision for these matters rests with the Diocesan Council and the Bishop.
“In the legal and canonical structure of the Anglican Church in this diocese, the Diocesan Council and the Bishop have the responsibility to determine what is expedient for the whole of the Diocese and its mission.”
SOURCE:
Letter, 16 May 2018
Peter Stewart, Anglican Church Newcastle