Church bells toll for those leading virus fight
Bells at more than 40 Anglican churches on Vancouver Island, Cormorant Island and the Gulf Islands will toll at noon today and continue every Wednesday as a tribute to those involved in the fight against COVID-19.
The churches intend to ring their bells for five minutes at noon as a special thank-you to front-line workers, Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer and Minister of Health Adrian Dix.
“Usually, church bells are rung to call worshippers to Sunday services or daily prayers,” said Bishop Logan McMenamie, Anglican Bishop of Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands and the community of Kingcome. “But with our communities scattered into their homes, unable to gather due to COVID-19, we’re using our bells each Wednesday to call to mind and celebrate all those who are putting themselves on the front line for the good of all.”
The mid-day and midweek time was chosen to precede the Wednesday briefing given by provincial officials.
“We have witnessed particularly commendable leadership by our provincial leaders and want to give a special shout-out to them for the way that they have transparently and faithfully exercised their duties under unimaginable stress. We know that it has taken a personal toll on their own lives and those close to them. We are grateful,” said McMenamie.
In many communities, applause, banging of pots and pans and other noise-making initiatives are taking place at 7 every night to show support for health workers.