Exposing Corruption and Spiritual Abuse: Fraud and Deceptive Conduct by the Sydney Diocese at St Paul’s Bankstown
Spiritual Bullying & Brainwashing at St Paul’s: The AHRC & ICAC Must Act – More Damning Evidence Emerges
This is our fifth story in this series exposing recent observations from the 'Friends SaintPauls' YouTube channel, which have brought alarming new details to light. The unfolding situation at St Paul's Anglican Church in Bankstown reveals a deeply concerning pattern of spiritual manipulation, potential legal breaches, and coercive tactics employed by church leaders. As the Anglican Diocese of Sydney moves forward with its redevelopment plans, significant ethical and human rights issues are becoming increasingly apparent. It is imperative that ICAC & The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) conduct a thorough investigation to ensure accountability and justice. The evidence continues to mount, demanding an end to the silence.
A Church Under Siege: The History
St Paul’s Anglican Church has been a vital spiritual and community hub in Bankstown for decades. Now, it faces demolition to make way for a commercial redevelopment project championed by the Diocese. The Diocese argues this redevelopment is necessary for financial sustainability and mission renewal, claiming the current building is underutilized and outdated.
However, these claims ring hollow against the backdrop of fierce opposition from parishioners who cherish the church’s historical, spiritual, and cultural significance. More troublingly, transcripts of sermons and announcements reveal that church ministers have employed manipulative tactics to coerce parishioners into supporting the Diocese’s plans, undermining trust and community cohesion.
Coercion in the Pews: The Ministers’ Own Words, Unfiltered
Rev Kitty Wang (June 29, 2023):
Rev John Bartik:
Lay leader reading during Rev. Wang's service following discussion about the heritage order:
These statements are not mere appeals to faith; they are calculated attempts to manipulate parishioners through fear, guilt, and exploitation of their religious beliefs. The message is clear: to be a “good Christian,” one must blindly support the Diocese’s redevelopment plans and oppose heritage protections, regardless of personal convictions or concerns. This is spiritual blackmail, and it has no place in a free and just society.
“Faithfulness in Service”: A Code Trampled
The Anglican Church of Australia’s Faithfulness in Service code is designed to guide clergy conduct with integrity, respect, and pastoral care. It emphasises:
- Respect for parishioners’ dignity and autonomy.
- Avoidance of abuse of power or spiritual authority.
- Honesty, transparency, and accountability.
- Commitment to pastoral responsibility without coercion or manipulation.
The ministers’ conduct at St Paul’s flagrantly violates these principles by:
- Abusing Power: Using spiritual authority to pressure and intimidate parishioners.
- Breaching Trust: Misleading parishioners about heritage listing consequences and redevelopment plans.
- Spiritual Abuse: Threatening and manipulating parishioners under the guise of divine will.
- Lack of Transparency: Withholding full and accurate information, relying instead on fear-mongering rhetoric.
This goes far beyond a simple difference of opinion; it represents a serious violation of ethical standards and a profound betrayal of the sacred trust entrusted to these ministers. As someone who recently authored Faithfulness in Service: The Evolution of Anglican Doctrine and Civil Rights in Australia, I am deeply troubled by these developments. A formal complaint has now been lodged with the Professional Standards Commission regarding the conduct of the clergy involved in this matter.
Watch the Videos for Yourself! The Absolutely Disgraceful Conduct Unveiled!
📚 St Paul's Bankstown Investigation Series
A comprehensive investigation into corruption, spiritual abuse, and the fight to save a sacred space
📢 Stay Updated: This is an ongoing investigation. New developments and evidence continue to emerge as the community fights to save St Paul's Anglican Church.
Total Reading Time: ~54 minutes
📝 Editor's Note - 20 June 2025
Since publication, the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Australia has confirmed they have passed on our complaint regarding the Diocese of Sydney to the Professional Standards Unit (PSU) about the conduct of clergy at St Pauls Bankstown. General Secretary Anne Hywood stated that "The General Synod cannot intervene further in a safe ministry issue in a diocese" and will not engage with the substance of the complaint. The PSU remains the designated contact for progressing this matter. This development underscores the institutional challenges facing accountability within the Anglican Church structure.
📝 Editor's Note - 20 July 2025
It has been brought to our attention that the Archbishop of Sydney’s office has duly acknowledged and remedied a regrettable fault within the Safe Ministry email system, which resulted in the unfortunate loss of important communications. An apology has been graciously extended for any distress caused. Mr. Shane St Reynolds, who first raised this matter, has since entrusted the Save St Paul’s Bankstown cause to legal counsel, withdrawing from further involvement. This development is a welcome stride towards greater transparency and accountability. In light of this development this article has been updated.
So has this gone to psu?
ReplyDeleteYes, a complaint was lodged with the PSU on June 2nd. As of today, June 5th, we have not yet received an acknowledgment or response.
DeleteWe still have not had a reply and this matter has been escalated to the Safe Ministry Commission
Delete