To the editor:
Re: "Mission closure draws fire in Downtown Eastside," Sept. 2.
Courier contributing writer Brad Teeter has now had two kicks at the can in his campaign to portray the Archdiocese of Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»as heartless and conniving to abandon the hungry. In his most recent account, virtual food riots are breaking out in the Downtown Eastside, all traced back to the archdiocese's decision to explore better ways to serve the neighbourhood. Mr. Teeter has been told three times now-once by email and twice by phone-that the archdiocese is remaining in the Downtown Eastside. With its partners, a new paradigm is being developed to deliver nutritious food in the neighbourhood. He was given examples of other charities and churches doing the same thing. And while the pieces aren't in place yet, the example of Union Gospel Mission, which also transformed how it serves the needy, is inspiring. Not as riveting a story, but it's a more accurate and important portrayal of what's happening in the neighbourhood.
Paul Schratz, spokesperson,
Archdiocese of Vancouver
