Protesters accuse new church of being 'devil worshippers'

Photo: Donna Chadwick

Rev Barry Harding-Rathbone (seated), Cllr Richard Farnell, Rev Gillian Machell, Rev David Cundall, John Henderson (kneeling), Mayor Surinder Biant, Mayoress Cecile Biant, Rev Lesley Rosedale, Simon Danczuk MP, Mary Ann Rosedale and Jill Howarth at the dedication service

A group of protesters from Kirkholt Community Church became "physically intimidating and verbally aggressive" as they protested outside of Kirkholt Social Club where a dedication service was being held by the Christian Spiritualist Church, Inspiration Ministries on Sunday 31 May.

Those in attendance at the service (which included the Mayor and Mayoress Surinder and Cecile Biant, Leader of Rochdale Council, Richard Farnell and Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk) described the protesters forming a "human chain barrier"and expressed feeling "very intimidated" by the men forming the chain.

Senior Minister of Inspiration Ministers, Rev Dr Barry Harding-Rathbone said: “According to their church pastor, who led the frankly disrespectful and unnecessary protest, we are 'devil worshippers' who pose a threat to everybody on the estate because we are Christian Spiritualists and, according to the demonstrators we 'raise the dead' in our regular demonstrations of mediumship, which is ludicrous of course.

“These people were physically and verbally threatening and totally unwilling to listen to what we said and, as they were threatening people wanting to explore their personal religious practices, the police regrettably had to become involved and are currently investigating what, in our view, was an act of unkind harassment against people harmlessly going about practising their faith.

“Whilst the old saying of sticks and stones still rings true, as an officially recognised and legal religion in the UK and many other countries worldwide, these people who profess a faith in Jesus, as do we, who teach loving their neighbours without exception, as do we, simply proved the hypocrisy practiced in their church, and we will continue our services until we are told we are breaking the law."

Greater Manchester Police confirmed that they received a call on Monday 1 June and following discussions with both parties involved, they say that no criminal activity has taken place and have stated that no further action will be taken.

Kirkholt Community Church could not be reached for comment.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/50/faith-news-articles/96110/rochdale-christian-spiritualist-community-church-dedication-service