The bones of Edward Colston, a prominent 18th-century enslaver, are likely to remain in All Saints church in Bristol, even if the building is repurposed as a community space, according to the dean of Bristol, the Very Rev Mandy Ford. Colston, who died in 1721, became a symbol of Britain's colonial past in 2020 when his statue in the city center was toppled during a Black Lives Matter protest and thrown into the harbor. The diocese of Bristol is currently consulting with local residents about the future of All Saints on Corn Street, a church that has been closed since 1984. While no final decision has been made, it seems likely the building will be used to reflect on Bristol’s historical ties to the slave trade, with Colston’s remains staying where they are. Ford explained that there is clear religious guidance against disturbing remains that have been given a Christian burial, unless there are exceptional circumstances. She noted that if the church were to undergo radical rebuilding, there might be a case for moving the remains. However, the general assumption is that Christian burials are meant to be permanent. Ford has experience in dealing with human remains, having participated in the reinterment of Richard III’s bones in Leicester. The issue of what to do with sites connected to Colston in Bristol remains complicated. Following the toppling of his statue in 2020, windows celebrating Colston were removed from two Bristol churches, and the diocese described the event as a "signal" to take action. That same year, Bristol’s concert hall was renamed Bristol Beacon, shedding its previous name, Colston Hall. The Rev Anjali Kanagaratnam, who is leading the consultation for All Saints, has been taking groups into the church to gather input. She said the responses have been varied, ranging from people who never wanted to return to the building to those who wished to bring their children. Some found the space emotionally difficult, while others were surprised to learn the church even existed. Kanagaratnam emphasized the importance of including voices from communities affected by transatlantic slavery, as well as other groups in Bristol. She believes All Saints has the potential to become a place for "truth-telling," education, and reconciliation.