The S.A.F.F. (Sub-culture Alternatives Freedom Foundation) is a not-for-profit organisation which was inaugurated in 1988 to protect minority religions and alternative beliefs from victimisation and suppression. We have successfuly achieved sterling work in protecting the interests of individuals and unorthodox philosophies in the U.K. and worked with similar organisations overseas. Our work is completed entirely by volunteers dedicated to keeping open the freedom of belief and right to free-speech of individuals worldwide. If you think you might be able to assist in this, or want to join us as a member then please
 |
 |
RE: Witches banned from using church hall
|
posted by Perplexed
|
|
I cannot understand why a group which has beliefs contrary to those of any Church who's hall they want to use should complain about being refused access. If it were a building used for purely secular matters there might be a case for complaint but sensitivity to the views of the proposed host is appropriate in this instance. Think less of your own "rights" and acknowledge the "rights" of others to refuse.
|
|
RE: Witches banned from using church hall
|
posted by Julian Karswell
|
On the face of it you wouldn't think so would you?
Although it strikes me as asking for trouble to try and book a church hall for this kind of event, especially in light of the major CoE campaign against Paganism which kicked off a couple of years ago <A href="http://www.saff.ukhq.co.uk/cofehalloweenscare.htm">www.saff.ukhq.co.uk/cofehalloweenscare.htm</A> and looks like it will be on going and dangerous.
Given that other churches have banned things as harmless as Yoga groups, meditation classes etc., and all manner of innocuous activities on the basis of "spiritual danger", this cancellation should not come as a surprise. Why confront a church with that kind of dilemma? Why not just have the party somewhere else?
What was motivating the group to make the booking I wonder? Are they so ill informed, or naive, to think that this would not lead to trouble? Or are they the types who want to generate controversy to gain kudos (an especially risky business in Stockport given all the fundamentalist activity around that area I would have thought)?
When the SAFF has worked hard to protect our rights, it is bordering on irresponsible to unnecessarily provoke in this way.
|
|
Witches banned from using church hall
|
posted by Cuby
|
|
I see on Skytext that a witches' coven has been banned from using a church hall for its halloween party. The Crystal Cauldron group booked Our Lady's Parish Club in Stockport, but permission was withdrawn! Surely, if this church is in the habit of renting its hall to outside organizations, it should not discriminate against pagan/occult groups, or ANY outside group which is law-abiding?
|
|
