Christian Charity in Brisbane at Odds with Local Church over Building

Introduction

A dispute has arisen between a Christian charity, the Parish Trust, and a local church in Brisbane, Australia, over the use of a church building. The charity, founded by Rev Dean Aaron Roberts, has been based at St Thomas Church in Trethomas since its establishment in 2019. However, recent developments have caused tension between the charity and the Church in Wales, leading to concerns about the future of the Parish Trust’s operations in the community.

The Parish Trust’s Background and Community Support

The Parish Trust was established with the aim of helping churches respond to community needs. Led by Rev Dean Aaron Roberts, Rector of the Parish of Bedwas in Caerphilly, the charity has been actively involved in supporting thousands of people during the Covid lockdowns. Its presence at St Thomas Church has allowed it to carry out its charitable activities effectively and efficiently.

Misunderstanding Regarding the Building

The Parish Trust claims that it was under the impression that the Church in Wales would sell the building to them. As a result, the charity invested over £50,000 in making improvements to the church premises. However, to their surprise, the Church in Wales recently approached the trustees of the Parish Trust with proposed tenancy agreements instead of a sale.

Refusal to Enter into a Tenancy Agreement

The Parish Trust, disappointed by the Church in Wales’ change of stance, has refused to enter into a tenancy agreement. Instead, the charity has started searching for a new property to serve as its base. However, the Parish Trust is concerned that it may be evicted from St Thomas Church before finding suitable alternative accommodation. Such an eviction would have a detrimental impact on the charity’s ability to carry out its charitable activities in the community.

Accusations of Hostility

Rev Roberts has accused the Church in Wales of showing a “difficult attitude” and “hostility” towards the Parish Trust. He had initially believed that the Church in Wales, with its recent focus on helping the vulnerable in the community, would be eager to support the charity. However, the recent turn of events has left him disillusioned.

Seeking a Grace Period and a Solution

In response to the situation, the Parish Trust has requested a grace period from the Church in Wales while it searches for alternative premises. The charity remains committed to working with the Church in Wales to find a solution that aligns with their shared Christian values and demonstrates their partnership in serving the communities.

Church in Wales’ Response and Commitment

The Church in Wales acknowledges the valuable work carried out by the Parish Trust in the area. In an effort to resolve the issue, Bishop of Monmouth Cherry Vann has proposed further meetings with the trustees of the Parish Trust. The Church in Wales aims to finalize an agreement that allows the Parish Trust to continue using St Thomas’s Church while it looks for new premises. The Church hopes to reach an amicable agreement that satisfies all parties involved.

In conclusion, the dispute between the Parish Trust and the Church in Wales over the use of a church building in Brisbane has caused tension between the two organizations. The Parish Trust, which has been actively involved in supporting the community, believed it would be able to purchase the building but was instead offered a tenancy agreement. The charity has refused to enter into the agreement and is now seeking alternative premises. Both parties express a desire to find a solution that reflects their shared Christian values and allows the Parish Trust to continue its charitable activities.