Church is committed to Esquimalt

Re: “Seniors housing plan near church gets hearing despite objections,” July 18.

I am grateful to those who came forward to support the parish of St. Peter and St. Paul in Esquimalt. I hope others will join us in caring for the spiritual health of Esquimalt.

We don’t take our place in this community lightly. We want to partner with faith communities, Songhees and Esquimalt nations, and other governments, organizations and individuals in the work of creating a healthy, vibrant community.

We acknowledge the concern of some residents that the history memorialized at St. Peter and St. Paul must be honoured. We share this commitment, and so allowed the church to be granted heritage designation in 1999, contrary to our rules and regulations. That is also why we have spent the past four years consulting a building-conservation engineer in designing the new space.

I hope those concerned with the future of St. Peter and St. Paul will join us in the ongoing work of maintaining this vibrant, historically and spiritually rich place of worship. The preservation of such sacred spaces — as with cemeteries — is the responsibility of the whole community.

We plan to serve the community, including the families of our Forces members who live, work and pray in Esquimalt long into the future. Our new space will provide much-needed housing and a community gathering place, a place of healing and reconciliation, as well as an ongoing remembrance of our past.

Bishop Logan McMenamie Anglican Diocese of British Columbia