It is with great sadness that I acknowledge the sudden passing of Father John Pearce, a much-loved and respected member of our inner west community.
Prior to moving to New Zealand Father John was the long-serving parish priest of St Brigid's Catholic Church in Marrickville. Father John also dedicated considerable time to championing and supporting the vibrant multicultural community that makes our inner west community so strong.
One such example of this work was the role that Father John played in founding the Marrickville Multifaith Roundtable. He continued this important work during his time in New Zealand, including organising a vigil to honour the victims and families of the Christchurch mosque shootings.
I send my deepest condolences to Father John's family and all in our community who are grieving his loss.