This guidance provides a practical framework for parishes when permitting the use of any Anglican Property Trust, Diocese of Bathurst (APT) property other than churches by external parties.
Note that the use of churches is governed by 9.14 of the Parishes Ordinances 2023 and restricted to the conduct of an Anglican service of public worship; the conduct of any activity of the parish, bible reading and prayer; and other purposes approved by the Bishop. Therefore a church is ordinarily not available for use by external parties without the written approval of the Bishop. If the Bishop approves the use of a church by a specified external party then all applicable steps for licencing or hiring parish property, as outlined below, must be followed.
Any lease, licence, or hire must:
- support (or not detract from) the mission of the Diocese
- protect the legal, financial, and reputational interests of the Church
- be properly authorised, documented, and compliant