Outcry as vicar bans keep-fit sessions for elderly

A group of stunned Tai Chi enthusiasts left upset by the row said they would now consider boycotting All Saints' Church in Totley, Sheffield.

The row erupted after the group, made up mainly of women in their 70s, arranged to hold their popular martial arts class in the hall, which stands in the grounds of the church.

Members of the group had attended the 2-a-time lunchtime sessions of Tai Chi, the ancient oriental exercise involving slow movements and breathing, once a week.

The hour-long sessions had been running for five months and were organised by Sheffield Council's Activity Sheffield which aims "to lead the city to a more active, healthier and sporting future".

At first the Tai Chi classes were held in the local Conservative club but when popularity grew, attracting more than 20 regulars, organisers had to look for a bigger venue and settled on the church hall.

But now after a meeting of church officials, the Tai Chi group has been kicked out of the church hall because of its links with the Taoist religion.

Vicar the Rev David Rhodes said: "Within the church we see Tai Chi as being an aspect of the Taoist religion. We want to promote a whole life spirituality which centres on following Jesus. And we feel that the two things clash.

"Our understanding is that the basis of Tai Chi is in Eastern religion and from the church's point of view that isn't something that we want to be involved in.

"Had we known that is what was intended, we wouldn't have taken the booking in the first place. Our first priority is to seek to be consistent with the Christian faith as we understand it.

"This is not my own personal decision. It's something the church leadership team has considered. Matters like this are very much a local concern. We feel very upset at the upset it has caused . There is no way we want to be critical of the people.

"We could lose out financially but that wouldn't be our first priority . As a church we stand for a particular spirituality involving Jesus."

A Tai Chi group member who asked not to be named said: "Suddenly we went one week and we were told that the vicar had said that he had discovered that it just wasn't a ladies' exercise group and therefore he was going to refuse permission to hold it and we had to find somewhere else.

"He said it was a spiritual exercise which was anti-Christian. I can't understand it, we are living in the 21st century. I am a Christian but this isn't a Christian attitude at all, stopping us from using the church hall just for doing some gentle exercise.

"I just cannot understand it, we are not doing anybody any harm at all. We go to the church but we will have to decide if we are going to keep going to services now."

Taoism is a Chinese religious philosophy which encompasses numerous belief systems and superstitions, including ancestor and nature worship.

Tai chi – roughly translated as 'ultimate boxing' – combines deep breathing and concentration with slow, controlled movements said to develop strength, balance and calm.

Jennie Street, who rang the vicar to protest, said: "The bigotry is appalling. Some of the older people were very upset about it. They say they're just doing exercises and being healthy, it's got nothing to do with religion.

"All Saints' has recently asked the local residents' association for financial support to help refurbish the church hall on the grounds that it is open to all."

Diana Radford, of Sheffield Council, said the last session of Tai Chi at Totley All Saints' Church will be held on Monday and the council was looking for a new venue for the next block of sessions starting on April 12.