Church In Wales Faces Boycott For Banning Yoga 

A church in Wales which banned yoga from its premises is facing a boycott from the parishioners. St David's Church in Ceredigion, Wales, opposed yoga as it was an ancient Indian discipline and hence "non-Christian". The church, part of which is being converted into a community centre, said, it "might be seen to be in conflict with Christian values and belief".

However, it didn’t go down well with some locals when the Parochial Church Council (PCC) ruled that yoga along with other “non-Christian” activities would not be allowed, though pilates would be.

Those who hold the belief that yoga is non-Christian feel it "teaches participants to focus on oneself, instead of on the one true God". But parishioners responded by saying that they are not happy with the view the church holds on activities like yoga, tai chi, taekwondo, cash prize bingo and the like.

"I, for one, will not be dictated to as to what activity events are open to me. Therefore, I will not be visiting this establishment for recreational enjoyment until a fair and non-bias community centre is built.” "There is no problem to have alcohol in the building, but alcohol is not to be sold. Pilates is allowed, but not yoga. “It is supposed to be a community affair where old and young can enjoy a better quality of life.”

A Church in Wales spokesman said the PCC is "keen to broaden the use of St David's Church", but it will continue to be a place of Christian worship.