The Bathurst Anglican Diocese is being sued  by the bank over a $24 million debt, with Holy Trinity parishioners asked to contribute $128,000, while St Barnabas Church’s contribution was set at $75,000.

Head of the St Barnabas Anglican Parish Council Bob Smith said the parish paid its share of the fighting fund three weeks ago.

“We were in a fortunate position where we could pull the money from various sources,” he said.

We just feel the diocese is under so much pressure we wanted to help out as soon as possible.

“This is a very difficult time for everyone and we really feel for those who are trying to sort this all out.”

Holy Trinity Anglican Parish Council chairman David Ironside said Holy Trinity had embarked on a fundraising campaign to come up with its contribution.

There was a pall over the 47th Anglican Church synod in Bathurst on the weekend when Bathurst diocese Bishop Ian Palmer said the diocese was still  coming to terms with the enormity of the problem it faced.

Financial issues surfaced with parishioners in 2011 when they were asked by former bishop Richard Hurford to increase their financial commitment to the diocese.

However, when that fell short, the church flagged the potential sell-off of church properties.

The historic bluestone hall at Holy Trinity was identified as one of several properties that could be sold.

However, a former parishioner stepped in and a caveat was placed on the property and is still valid.

Mr Ironside said the parishioners of Holy Trinity were pulling together to raise theircontribution.

“A few weeks ago we started planning fundraising activities and we are holding a garage sale this weekend,” he said.

Mr Ironside has ruled out the sale of Holy Trinity’s historic rectory, parish office buildings or adjacent residential units.

“They are all on the same title as the church and that simply won’t be happening,” he said.

janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au