For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognised among you.

Our vision is to empower people to live Christ centred lives, building a church where everyone is welcomed, everyone is needed and everyone is discipled. Our mission is to glorify God by demonstrating love for people, our community, and the nations – with compassion, service and the message of Jesus.

As part of this vision, All Saints Anglican Nelson Bay "All Saints" is committed to ensuring that the church and its operations are conducted with excellence. All Saints recognises that there may be times when issues arise that require us to resolve difficulties, grievances and complaints in a prompt, and equitable manner. The procedure sets out the process by which this will occur.

Pathways to resolving a grievance

All Saints commits to a case-by-case approach to the resolution of substantive issues in a grievance and, where possible, the appropriate restoration of relationships between all parties.  

The pathway employed will depend upon:

1. the nature of the conflict situation and/ or grievance 
2. the positions/ roles of the parties involved the skills and/or 
3. capacity of the local church leader to address the situation. 

The pathway employed does not prevent the parties to the grievance seeking independent advice at any time, should they choose to do so. For this reason, the person who is managing the grievance is responsible not only to communicate clearly with involved parties, but also to provide appropriate communication to all persons affected directly by the dispute.  Members not directly involved in the resolution of a dispute are advised not to discuss the matter except with the person who is managing the grievance.  

In the case of a significant conflict, the Bishop may arrange for independent support to be available to the parish to assist those indirectly impacted persons to heal relationships and prevent ongoing division and mistrust within the parish.  

All parties to a grievance/complaint and all involved in seeking the resolution of the grievance/complaint must act as expeditiously as possible in undertaking their roles in relation to ensure that the time taken to undertake this process does not contribute unreasonably to escalation of the conflict and possible harm to those involved.  

The process allows for an escalation of a grievance if it remains unresolved.  The final stage involves an agreement to be bound by the decision of the Bishop who, may with the advice of an independent arbiter, make a final and binding determination. 

The process envisages that everyone will take the earliest opportunity to reach agreement around resolution and, where possible and appropriate, reconciliation.

If yo wish to contact us about a complaint please email complaints@allsaintsnelsonbay.org

The director of professional standards may also be contacted by phone  1800 774 945 or email dps@newcastleanglican.org.au