THE future of Bathurst’s All Saints’ College remains uncertain after the Anglican Diocese of Bathurst was ordered to start selling off property to pay its debt to the Commonwealth Bank.
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Justice David Hammerschlag handed down orders in the Supreme Court this week confirming the diocese’s legal obligation to repay borrowings from the Commonwealth Bank, and giving directions on how it is to be done.
The debt is estimated to be anything up to $40 million.
In particular, he determined church property held in trust could be sold to cover the debt, but Bishop of Bathurst Ian Palmer remains confident the decision will not mark the end of the Anglican Church in the Central West.
“We have always said we would repay it if we could do so lawfully, and the judgment has given us some avenues by which that is possible,” Bishop Palmer said.
“We have been in conversation with the bank on how we might meet this obligation in such a way that the worship, ministry and mission of the Anglicans in the Diocese of Bathurst can continue.
“The judge did not agree with the defence we put up. We thought we had a robust defence, not to avoid our obligations but to protect what other people have given the diocese.”
Bishop Palmer said it had not been determined which church properties would be sold to meet the debt. He would not be drawn on whether All Saints’ College would be included.
“I’m anticipating more details will be available on Saturday, April 9 to give to a meeting of the Synod called for that day,” Bishop Palmer said.
“We have sold schools and repaid some of the money and we have also renegotiated other loans so they could be paid.”
Bishop Palmer said ultimately the decision on which properties were to be sold would be made by Bishop in Council and handed over to Synod for approval. He said parishes have been advised of the situation.
“There are a whole gamut of emotions across the diocese – for many there is relief that the whole process is over,” Bishop Palmer said.
“I feel confident we will be able to work through these issues and continue our ministry across the Central West.
“At the end of the day will people’s loved ones be able to have funerals, marriages, and baptisms? Will we be able to worship God and support people through services like the food bank? That answer is categorically yes.
“That’s the bottom line.”
Bishop Palmer said the orders did not provide a final figure to be paid. That would be determined through conversations with the bank.
Justice Hammerschlag’s orders listed 20 individual defendants who would not be held personally responsible for the debt, including Bishop Palmer and Anglican ministers across the diocese.
The judge found that the debt must be paid by the Anglican Property Trust Diocese of Bathurst, All Saints’ College Bathurst Council and Bathurst Endowment of the See Board.
