(Editor's Note: The following letter was submitted in response to Theodore Grant's letter, "Property Should Remain Provider to Community," regarding Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hicksville, which appeared in the May 14th issue of the Hicksville Illustrated News.)

I was a 40-year and three-time council member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hicksville - the 45-year-old congregation that ceased to exist as of Feb. 22, 2004. I applaud Rev. Theodore Grant's letter and wish to offer a very important address. I also urge all our Hicksville residents and all neighboring churches to express deep concern and have the Redeemer Church property remain, as it has been for the past 45 years, a provider for the welfare and humanitarian services needed in our community.

Together with former members of Redeemer, I ask that the Metropolitan New York Synod Council offer the Redeemer Church property to humanitarian non-profit organizations at an affordable price and not sell it to commercial, profit-making groups. They are the only ones that can afford the $3 million-plus price tag necessary to construct commercial buildings, shopping centers and expensive housing.

Please write to:

Bishop Stephen P. Bouman

Metropolitan New York Synod

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

475 Riverside Drive

New York, NY 10115-1620

I have written and sent my letter. Please send yours.

Rita Sharkey