Central London churches and the Congestion Charge extension

As Chair of Churches Together in Westminster I have written to the Mayor of London regarding the extension to the Congestion Charge and its possible effect on churches. Other religious leaders in central London have also written along similar lines. 

My letter began as follows:

'The churches of Westminster, on whose behalf I write, have shown full support for the lockdown in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, in some cases going beyond the Government guidance for places of worship in order to ensure the aim of flattening the curve has been achieved.

Additionally, we support the need to reduce vehicle use in central London, to improve air quality and maximise health benefits, including the expanded promotion of alternative transport, especially cycling. Many of our churches and congregation members are actively working in practical ways for the achievement of these goals and have changed their own practices as a result.

Nevertheless, the Extension to the Congestion Charge Scheme will have a significant and deleterious effect on the sustainability of our churches. Many of these churches maintain buildings which are a key element of central London’s architectural heritage drawing tourists to the capital city, deliver a substantial proportion of its cultural programming, and provide a very significant amount of its community and support services to those who are most vulnerable in society.'

The issues we have raised have been covered by the BBC at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000kkpz/bbc-london-evening-news-28062020 and

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-53136450#.

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Westminster Cathedral Choir - O Magnum Mysterium.