Welsh villagers boycott local church after it bans ‘non-Christian’ YOGA classes from new community centre
Villagers say they will boycott St David’s Church, in Blaenporth, Wales, in protest
A CHURCH has banned yoga from its premises because it’s “non-Christian”.
Villagers say they’ll boycott St David’s Church, in Blaenporth, Ceredigion in Wales, in protest.
Church bosses say pilates is OK, but not yoga, which “might be seen to be in conflict with Christian values and belief”.
Part of the church is being converted into a community centre after complaints that the village lacked facilities.
But locals have been shocked after the Parochial Church Council ruled that, while pilates would be allowed in the planned centre, yoga would not be, along with other “non-Christian activity”.
In a letter to Aberporth Community Council seeking their support, one resident wrote: “I would like to make you aware of the intended community activity restrictions that have been imposed once St David’s Church, Blaenporth is part-converted into a well-needed community centre.
“I and no doubt some Blaenporth residents are not at all happy with the view the church has on community activities like yoga, tai chi, taekwondo, cash prize bingo and the like. It is supposed to be a community affair where old and young can enjoy a better quality of life.
“I, for one, will not be dictated to as to what activity events are open to me. Therefore, I will not be visiting this establishment for recreational enjoyment until a fair and non-bias community centre is built.”
MOST READ IN UK NEWS
A Church in Wales spokesman said the PCC is “keen to broaden the use of St David’s Church”, but it will continue to be a place of Christian worship.
“Therefore, it is felt that activities that might be seen to be in conflict with Christian values and belief would not be appropriate”, they added.
The PCC minutes on approval of restrictions of community use reads: “It is agreed that it is important that all the PCC members know what is going on and that people cannot come in without the approval of the PCC and that the Canolfan comes under the auspices of the PCC.
“There is no problem to have alcohol in the building, but alcohol is not to be sold.
“Pilates is allowed but not yoga. Also no activity of non-Christian activity.”
One man, who asked not to be named, said: “Over the last 12 months it became obvious that the Church was tightening its grip on what activities would be allowed to take place.
“I think the Church sees the community centre as a way of keeping the church going, but they are going against what residents want. With the best will in the world it will not be a proper community centre – it cannot be.”
Aled Thomas, chairman of the BCA, said it was currently difficult to hold community events at St David’s because of the church pews and they were drawing up plans they hoped would be approved by the Church.
“Blaenporth is a growing community and we feel this will be good for that community,” he said. “There are children in the community but we’d also like this centre to draw elderly people.
A Church in Wales spokesman said: “The Blaenporth PCC is keen to broaden the use of St David’s Church as a facility that will bring much-needed opportunities for the community it serves – however, the church will continue to be a place of Christian worship.
“Therefore, it is felt that activities that might be seen to be in conflict with Christian values and belief would not be appropriate.”