Break O’Day mayor Mick Tucker urged the Anglican Diocese to consult with the community.

Cr Tucker said the Diocese should consider not just the financial importance, but the “spiritual and emotional importance” these churches have in small communities.

Anglican Bishop of Tasmania Richard Condie said communities were “welcome to express their concerns” about the church properties proposed for sale, with the church welcoming expressions of interest to keep some of the buildings in community hands.

Cr Tucker said community groups had been corresponding with Bishop Condie, but there had been no indication from the church regarding community consultations, leaving community members “understandably emotional”.

“Many people have lived in these communities their whole lives and have family members buried in the cemeteries and they want to know; Will they still be able to visit their graves?” Cr Tucker said.

“What will happen to the plots that they have already purchased?

“Will they be able to be laid to rest with their family members?

“The three churches on the list for sale in our area have been in the care of the community for decades so it is understandable that they are invested in their importance.”

St Peter’s Church and Rectory at Fingal, St George’s Church at Mathinna, and St Michael’s and All Angels Church at Pyengana were all earmarked for sale.

Two of the churches are still operational, and the other was recently deconsecrated.

“It has been the community who have taken on the responsibility of maintaining these places of worship as well as footing the bill,” Cr Tucker said.

“They have done this because of the deep meaning to their community these churches have.

“In Pyengana, St Michaels and All Angels Church recently underwent a $30,000 refurbishment that included re-cladding, re-roofing, rewiring and new windows.

“The money for this renovation was largely raised by the community, an indication of just how important the church is to them.

“We are supportive of the church’s pursuit to support survivors of abuse but we do not want to see this come at a cost to our communities.”

The Redress Proposal will be considered by Synod in its meeting on June 1 and 2.

Bishop Condie said community groups, councils, or individuals wishing to make a representation to the Diocesan Council about church properties marked for sale can address their submissions to the general manager of the Diocese until September 1.

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