Oct 19 2006 Sian Watts, Gwent Gazette
Outraged church representatives have staged a protest against spiritualism at the Dugout in Ebbw Vale.
A group of church members handed out leaflets to people attending an evening of clairvoyance at the Ex-Servicemen's Club. The evening was being held in aid of the Ebbw Vale Golden Lighting Appeal.
Reverend Geoff Waggett, vicar of Christ Church in Ebbw Vale, one of the protestors, said: 'It is extremely sad that those seeking to light up our town at Christmas - when you celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ - should seek to raise money in such an un-Christian way.'
Among those joining him were Rev Martin Gillard, vicar at Zion Baptist Church in Ebbw Vale, Rev Jackie Carter, vicar at St Davids in Beaufort, and Terry Edwards, verger at Christ Church.
Rev Waggett said: 'Jesus Himself warned us about messing about with the Devil.
'In the Old Testament God described such activities as detestable.
'Spiritualism, clairvoyancy and witchcraft are all evil activities.
'Clairvoyancy allows someone else to mess with your mind.
'It is not a bit of fun, it is dangerous.'
Next year, Rev Waggett promises to provide an alternative concert at Christ Church to raise money for the campaign. Joyce Davies is a member of the committee for the Golden Lighting Appeal, and responded to Rev Waggett's outburst.
She said: 'We held the evening to raise money for the children of Ebbw Vale to enjoy the Christmas lights in the town.
'There have been other clairvoyance evenings at the Dugout, and there has never been a protest before, so why are they picking on us?
'Everybody must have their own faith - no matter what religion they have, I respect them.'
One of the mediums present on the evening was Damieon Cunningham.
He explained the evening had gone very well.
Mr Cunningham, who is an ordained minister and runs a multi-faith church in Pontypool, said: 'Spiritualism is still a Christian faith.
'Some people just don't understand it.
'We don't talk to the dead, the dead go into the ground, it is the soul that lives on.
'We talk to the angels who come to help people in need.'
He has experienced similar resistance in the past and claims police have moved protestors on as people have a right to religious freedom.
He also pointed out that during the services, there are prayers to God.
'As far as I am concerned you can believe what you want to believe.
'You can believe the moon is made of cheese if you want, as long as you are not harming anybody or forcing your beliefs on others.'
2 comments:
SOME PEOPLE HAVE PROBLEMS IN LIFE AND THEY DO NOT WANT TO GO TO THE DOCTOR OR WILL NOT CONFIDE IN FAMILY I WILL SIT AND LISTEN WITHOUT JUDGEMENT AND TRY AND MAYBE LET THEM SEE THINGS A LITTLE CLEARER THEN I HAVE DONE MY JOB, SPIRITUALISM HAS HELPED ME IN MY LIFE, AS I WOULD NOT BE HERE TODAY WITHOUT THE HELP OF OTHER LIKE MINDS I AM FIRST AND FOREMOST A CHRISTIAN...IT IS WRITTEN IN THE BIBLE...MY HOUSE HAS MANY ROOMS....
The belief in this faith has actual saved my life and enhanced it in so many ways, I would not be here today if it were not for my belief in spirtulisum, I through my path of life have helped many others, and am proud to call myself such,the good book says THERE ARE MANY ROOMS IN MY MANSION........
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