The assistant to the Bishop for the Wollongong Region of the Diocese of Sydney, Geoff Kyngdon, said he had recommended the changes be approved and expected the Archbishop would agree. The proposed changes include relocating the altar to the western end of the church, turning the pews, and removing the pulpit to storage.

The changes have been proposed to allow St Aidan's to cater for families with children.

However, some parishioners and village residents fear that the changes will spoil the historical character of the 109-year-old church. Mr Kyngdon said this week that he believed the changes would enhance the ministry in the area.

"This is not about the building," he said. "This is about the glorification of Jesus Christ, reaching the lost and a living ministry

"We have tried to focus on what would be best for the ministry."

Mr Kyngdon said he was aware that not everyone would be happy with the decision.

"There are those in the church who have concerns and those outside it have other concerns and we have tried to balance these out," he said.