A new LGBTQ arts and nightlife venue at a former church has closed suddenly and cancelled upcoming events after protests from religious groups and a breach notice was issued by their landlord.

Dozens of protesters from the Christian community rallied outside the venue on Kent St in the Sydney CBD on July 8, where Divine Playhouse was celebrating its opening night.

The church was deconsecrated during the 1930s and has mostly been used as a theatre and arts space since.

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Divine Playhouse was created to “provide a space where artists, performers, audiences and communities can come together through culture, creativity and connection”.

But there were claims that holy figures and rituals were used for “mock” and “blasphemous” performances.

There was also outrage over a $100,000 taxpayer-funded grant given to host events including Sunday Mess — An Unholy Brunch Party: The Resurrection.

‘Causing offence was not our intention’

Heaps Gay, the organisation behind Divine Playhouse, is currently exploring its legal avenues after receiving a breach notice ordering them to “cease carrying on offensive trade”.

Divine Playhouse said that “following pre-emptive action” by the venue’s landlord, “we have been forced to close the venue and postpone the events for now”.

“Faced with this situation, our priority has had to be the wellbeing of our artists, audiences, event organisers and staff,” it said in a statement.

“We strongly believe we have acted in good faith throughout this whole process and remain committed to meeting our obligations as tenants and working towards a constructive resolution.

“The arts have always been a place where people ask difficult questions, challenge ideas and use humour, satire and performance to reflect on the world around us.

“Not every work will resonate with every person.”

It said “causing offence was not our intention”, and “we remain committed to doing everything we can to re-open our doors”.

Nicholas Stewart, a partner at law firm Dowson Turco, told the Guardian that legal recourse would depend on the term of the lease, and the grounds that the landlord relies on.

Musician Ben Lee and comedian Josh Thomas have thrown their support behind Divine Playhouse in posts on social media, while artist Monica Higgins launched a GoFundMe to back Heaps Gay, as costs mount.

“Whatever your views on queer culture, coordinated campaigns that seek to silence LGBTQIA+ organisations and shut down independent cultural spaces should concern all of us,” Higgins said.

“Sydney has lost too many creative venues already. Divine Playhouse was open, funded, programmed and embraced by its community. It should not be lost like this.”

Christian groups plan to hold a “prayer vigil” outside the venue on Friday to signal they will not tolerate disrespect towards their faith.

“We are gathering to pray, defend the dignity of the Christian faith and plant seeds of truth in the hearts and minds of those who are confused,” The Prodigal Sons said on Instagram.

‘Hard to believe’

One person who gathered outside the venue last Wednesday said they did so to pray “against the mockery of our Catholic faith”.

The Daily Telegraph reports the state government is looking into the Create NSW grant application that helped the venue secure funding, with Chris Minns saying it was “hard to believe” that the old church was the “best location” for Divine Playhouse’s artists.

“There are millions of (other) venues across NSW and Australia,” Minns said.

NSW man Chris Nave launched a petition asking for the NSW government to apologise to the Christian community and cease any support for the venue.

“This is not simply a nightclub. Its branding deliberately uses Christian symbols, language and themes in a way that many Christians reasonably see as mocking Jesus Christ, the Cross, and our faith,” Nave said.

“What is sacred to billions of people around the world has been turned into entertainment and commercial marketing.”

More than 6000 people have signed the push so far.