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Yoga Class Banned in UK
Two priests are standing by their decision when they banned the teaching of yoga classes for children in their churches. Both the Silver Street Baptist Church and the St James’ Church of England in Taunton, Somerset declared that the classes were a “sham”, “a false philosophy” and “un-Christian.
From the Christian Post the Baptist priest is quoted saying “Yoga may appear harmless or even beneficial,
but it is encouraging people to think that there is a way to wholeness of body and mind through human techniques-whereas the only true way to wholeness is by faith in God through Jesus Christ.”
The instructor Louise Woodstock had secured the activity room at the Baptist Church for the youth group, but when it was discovered that she was intending to teach yoga to mothers and toddlers, they quickly rescinded the offer. It was then that the St James’ church also denied her request to move the class to their community hall.
Ms. Woodstock response to the church’s decision in the Christian Post “I explained to the church that my yoga is a completely nonreligious activity. Some types of adult yoga are based on Hindu and Buddhist meditation but it’s not a part of the religion and there is no dogma involved.”
According to the Hindustan Times, the Hindu Council UK is deciding whether they will take up this cause as a case against Britain’s ‘Religion and Belief’, which may find these comments as discrimination based on a religious belief. It may also prove to be against the precepts of the law whose intention was to bring consideration and understanding between the faiths and to not restrict multi-cultural activities without a solid reason.
A representative of the Hindu Council UK, Amarjeet-singh Bhamra, stated in the Hindustan Times “Yoga is one of the oldest known medical systems enshrined in the Atharva Veda, the most ancient Hindu book on wisdom, and it is now at the forefront of holistic and integrated medicine in the West.” “It is very disappointing that such medieval-like irrational prejudice is still allowed to flourish in the Christian Church in the 21st Century multi-cultural Britain
[tags]yoga class,Christian church,yoga for youth,Hindu,[/tags]
Here is a 5:44 minute video entitled
“Can a Christian Practice Yoga?”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQXAYioSQ9I