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#.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Westminster Cathedral Choir - O Magnum Mysterium.
