Sir,
We read the statement from Tesco announcing their decision to open for trading on Sundays with almost as much surprise as sadness.
Although they allude to the expressions of support which they received for their proposal (none of were visible to us), they make no allusion whatsoever to the unprecedented depth and breadth of opposition, across the island and elsewhere, to this decision – as evidenced in the press and other media.
As a committee, we have been thankful for the number of people with little or no church connection who have voiced their deeply held convictions on this matter simply because they value the distinctive nature and countless benefits of a common day of rest for themselves, their families, their communities, and for workers generally – as well as valuing what is effectively a cultural unique selling point for the whole community.
Although some shoppers have already ‘voted with their feet’, many have chosen to continue shopping in Tesco until the proposal became a decision. Sadly, this has now happened, and a much larger number will now take their custom elsewhere. It should be noted, too, that they will do so at possible financial cost to themselves – something which, clearly, is of little concern to Tesco, who are well aware that they are driving many people, some of whom are quite poor, into more expensive places. Is that not a cause for shame?
And, in the same vein, it is interesting to note in their statement that Tesco has chosen not to answer why, from all the options open to them for improving the customer shopping experience, they are choosing the only option which deeply wounds a large number of their customers?
Tesco still claims that this decision is ‘respectful’ of local traditions and culture.
However, after all that has been said from a variety of sources in opposition to
this proposal -
For now, we wish to make plain that our opposition to this decision is not at all over. If Tesco believes it has ridden a brief storm, they are mistaken. Indeed, we propose to step up our opposition, as will many others who are not in our organisation, to avert a spiritual and cultural disaster.
However, the deed has not yet been done and we still appeal to Tesco to listen carefully to the depth and breadth of the opposition, and out of care for the whole community, to respect those who are deeply grieving, and reverse their decision.
Rev Jonathan Baxter
Secretary,
Lewis Branch of Lord's Day Observance Society
Letters: Tesco Sunday opening decision heralds ‘spiritual and cultural disaster’
25 October 2024
