Church politics

Published: 22 October, 2010

• FOLLOWING the report and letters (October 8 & 15) concerning the attempt by the rector of St Anne’s Soho to evict the Soho Society from an office in the church (that would not exist without the society’s campaigning a few decades ago), it’s worth noting a few things.

First, that the long letter signed by Margaret Bailey mentions two community groups, which is exactly the problem with St Anne’s now. 

In the past, this church was a real community centre, supporting a huge variety of groups from the wider neighbourhood, nearly all of whom have now disappeared. 

Westminster Advocacy Service for Senior Residents, who have provided sterling service to elderly people in Westminster from their base in the church since 1999 have also been given sudden notice to leave.

Over the past two and a half years, St Anne’s church has turned from being a community hub to a very unwelcoming place. 

And we are told that the church is merely trying to “maximise full market value” (West End Extra, October 8). 

If rumours about the vastly shrinking congregation are true then perhaps it is time that people asked what is really going on at this church?

DAVID GLEESON, W1