Holy Trinity Anglican Church Looking at Closure
28 March 2007
The Parish Council of Holy Trinity Anglican Church, North Hobart, has decided to petition Bishop John Harrower to close the Holy Trinity building. The Parish Council is the annually elected leadership body of a local parish.
This decision follows a property assessment report examining the viability of the Holy Trinity Anglican Church and associated properties which found approximately $5 million is required to restore and properly maintain the sites.
Bishop Harrower and the Diocese of Tasmania will now undertake a process to decide whether the building will be closed. This process will take some months, and will allow for input from Holy Trinity parishioners and other interested parties.
The Bishop of Tasmania, the Right Reverend John Harrower, said this was a difficult decision and unsettling time for the people of the Holy Trinity parish.
He said, 'We recognise that a building like Holy Trinity is more than just bricks and mortar - it is the place where many people's significant spiritual life-events have taken place. However, it is unrealistic to not also consider matters such as financial viability.'
Bishop Harrower said the church is ultimately not about the buildings in which people meet, but the people who meet and worship God there.
'Like all institutions, time and tide changes and unfortunately it would appear unrealistic for the Anglican Church in Tasmania to retain all its built assets.
'There comes a time when we must make decisions now, in order to ensure the future viability of our church.'
Media Officer - Rev. Stephen Carnaby 0417 343 710
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