AN Elaine resident has accused the Catholic Church of “lies and spin” over the closure and sale of St Patricks church.
Parishioner Shane Dunne said he was appalled the community was not given the right of appeal after a recent newsletter told them the church was to be sold next month.
He described the stance of the Archdiocese of Melbourne – which said the decision followed extensive community consultation, expert building assessment and demographic predictions – as nothing more than “spin and lies”.
“Our church administrator Father [Licayan] Herman told me he was more than willing to open up the church and see if there was interest in the church proceeding,” Mr Dunne said.
“I have the support of 27 people who want the church to be left open. Father Herman consulted the parish council, but they didn’t want to hear about it.”
Mr Dunne said claims the church was in poor condition were overblown and he was prepared to maintain it out of his own pocket.
“There’s nothing wrong with it. All it needs is a bit of paint. We want the opportunity to appeal this decision. We don’t want the church going out on a bad note.”
Monsignor Greg Bennett said the church would be sold on the condition it was not for “profane use”. “While these decisions can be painful for the community involved, every effort has been made to consult extensively . . . and the decisions made are in the parish’s best interests.”
