Christianity and yoga is not about making popular choices to up the attendance. As a child I unquestionably believed in God and Jesus as they did some amazing things along with Father Christmas and the Tooth fairy. During my teenage years I got confused about about my beliefs and gave up. Later I attended yoga classes primarily to help my back, it was like a detox and my search for my faith was restored. I wanted to remain a Christian and am still ploughing through the bible but parts of me do not agree/believe with the church 's interpretation.
I am a yoga teacher and although it is a spiritual practise for me I feel it can be taught to any faith, most beginners do not reach or want to go beyond the physical superficial level.

It is a shame that this lady used the words yoga-inspired, the class could have gone ahead but the vicar needs to act upon his own inherent beliefs.

Mel, West Sussex,

The physical and breathing exercises associated with Yoga may not have 'religion' in it. But Yoga is not merely breathing exercises and postures.

Yoga also involves teachings like KUNDALINI, the energy that supposedly lies dormant in you like a coiled serpent at the base of the spine, which, when activated, could zoom through your 'chakras' and provide you with bliss and unity with a supposed 'Supreme Being'.

Moreover, the Hindu deity 'Shiva', believed to have three eyes and four arms and residing at the Himalayas with a serpent coiled around his neck, is considered to be the patron deity for Yoga. One can feel free to believe all this or reject it. But to say that Yoga is NOT connected to any religion is simply false.

Surely, a Christian vicar has genuine reasons to draw a line which he refuses to cross. But he could accept those physical and breathing exercises, label them whatever he wishes and reject the rest.

Santhosh, Bangalore,

May I say this to those who despise Christianity, the faith you hate inspires us to provide counselling for the bereaved, comfort for the sick, and hope to those in despair. Churches organise housing for the homeless, help for drug and drink addicts, fundraising for hundreds of worthy causes and provide activities for people of all ages.

No one will ever force you to come to church so why do you feel obliged to attack us?

Jon, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset

PLEASE don't tar all 'Vicars' with the same brush! As one myself, who attends a yoga class, I whole heartedly endorse its positive effects and urge my more conservative brothers and sisters to open their minds to the possibility that such benefits are, in themselves, a gift from God. Their selective use of 'proof texts' from scripture to rubbish this practice is both an isult to the intelligence of their fellow Christians and and to scripture itself.

David Linaker, Salisbury, UK

Well done to the Christians in Somerset. After all Jesus said himself " Iam the wat the truth & the life no one can come to teh Father except through me"
"Theres no other name under heaven by which people can be saved"
Objectors have an argument with God!

Gareth Davies, Birmingham,

Still, Vicars have to cover a long distance to meet their Talibani counterparts who banned TV, music, democracy etc because it was not discovered by muslims hence against Islam.

YK, Ilford, UK

Any Christians wishing to practice yoga may find that the Christian mantra "Maranathra" which means "Come Lord Jesus" assists their practice of this excellent form of exercise. Yoga is particularly helpful if you have a bad back, and is practised by many Christians.

ian Pettifer, Solihull, UK

To - WhiteH2OWoman

False gods ? So everybody else in the world who is non - Christian about 5 billion people including 1 billion Hindus is wasting there time by not following Christ ??

DB, Birmingham,

yoga is actually worshipping Sun god thro body postures & majority of the westerners do not know the history & philosophy behind this .
Before anybody pursues these kind of activities it is better to do a bit of research & enquiry .
We are not narrow minded but warn people before thy get trapped into evil.

Joseph, Toronto, Canada

Next time it rains for more than a week they'll be blaming the floods on yogic housewives. Makes a change from gay-bashing.

Jonathan, Auckland,

WhiteH2OWoman, Austin, Texas

According to some sources the practice of Yoga predates Hinduism. Yoga is also practiced by Buddhists as well as Jains (both atheist religions, in that, neither believe in a god as a creator of the universe). The practice of Yoga does not make Buddhists or Jains into Hindus.

I am reminded of a book called The Islamist by Ed Husain wherein he describes how the Wahhabis in Saudi Arabia would not let the faithful so much as bow their heads in Medina as it is interpreted as idolatrous!!

KM, London, UK

There are many forms of 'yoga', which merely means 'joining' or 'coming together'. In its ultimate expression, 'yoga' is a union of the humna with the divine. However, that is a long road, and practiioners would find their routine interrupted by illness and disease, particularly as the routine involved long hours of sitting still, meditating on the ultimate reality.

To help these practioners remain healthy, 'hath yoga' was developed. This is essentially a a set of verious exercises to allow the body to develop resilience and resistance to disease. The breathing exercises (pranayam) are designed to increase flow of oxygen to critical centres of the body.

However, once hath yoga developed in ashrams, it entered the more secular spheres of life, and lately a large number of people, particularly in the West, are practising this.

Such kind of Yoga is no more religious than logic, geometry, or architecture are, all of which developed partly as religious expressions.

Sanjay Agarwal, Delhi, India

Surely those church fellowships have the right to decide what they use their own buildings for! Many of the commentors suggest that Christians have no right to believe what they believe, and that their buildings should be public property, open for use by all comers irrespective of whether the churches agree with them.

Oh, I forgot to mention: I'm a Christian, too. Perhaps you would all like to take a democratic vote on what I'm allowed to believe.

Hey, perhaps you would like me to return the compliment and vote on what you can believe, too? After all, it's a free world.

Victor Dewsbery, Berlin, Germany

I am a yoga teacher who has studied the history of yoga, and I would like to correct the notion that yoga has its roots in Hinduism. In point of fact yoga predates Hinduism by several thousand years. It is true that Hindus (and Buddhists) have incorporated some yoga practices into their worship, and so in India yoga is often practiced in the context of Hinduism. However this is not usual in the Western world, where it is far more common for Christians to practice yoga, many of whom find that it strengthens their faith.

Mary Reilly, Hereford, UK

Joanne, Melbourne,

'Where in the Bible does it say the Earth is flat?'

Search Wikipedia for keyword 'Flat Earth' and find this "...writers of the Bible had a Babylonian world view according to which Earth is flat and stands on pillars."

You will also come across the role of Catholic church vis-a-vis Copernicus and Galileo (my head bows to them)...just 4 centuries back.

Personally, it doesn't matter to me except being a surprise addition to my knowledge. May your soul unite (yoga) with the almighty.

YK, Ilford, UK

I am an indian sikh and as far as i know people do yoga as an exercise, they attend classes for yoga and are from all backgrounds. if a christan teaches yoga as an exercise surely the church shoudnt mind , As far as me and my friends are concerned we would rather watch cricket than do yoga.

Mandeep, delhi, india

How foolish of those Revs to call Yoga as un-christian. Many of my pious christian friends would be shocked to know that religions like Christianity and Islam have a special place IN Hinduism. They are called BHAKTI YOGA (The practice of faith, worship and prayer of One Supreme Being - the all pervading god). This may humiliate many Christians as their very religion (based on faith) also belongs to one of the categories of YOGA. Hence my dear Christian friends, Christianity may not accept Hinduism but Hinduism accepts Christianity. In our holy book 'Bhagavad Gita' Lord Krishna said, "there are several paths that lead to god, you can choose any one of them." So, your path may be Christianity, mine is Vedanta school of Hiduism. And if we practice our religions well, we both would be able to reach the One Supreme Being. SO friends, See you in HEAVEN

Hindu boy, Delhi, India

A Mosque would not allow it. It's well known Mosques don't allow entrance to anyone who isn't Muslim. However, Christian churches are well known for opening their doors to support community services. Is yoga a community service? Of course not. Yoga is not merely a set of movements. It's a complete set of practices including breathing, mantra chanting and meditation. Only in the West is it movements-only. While Yoga is one step detached from the Hindu religion, it is absolutely integrated. Just because kids are doing movements-only doesn't mean it's secular. That's absurd. Islam is a branch of the Abrahamic faith just like Christianity. Technically, they believe in the same god. Yet would a church allow Muslims to educate in their facility? Many yogic practices and beliefs about the body are *very* unChristian, whether Christians know it or not. Louise Woodcock is unknowingly introducing a foreign faith to kids via the back door. It's blasphemous behaviour for a church to allow it.

David, Ottawa, Canada

Hindus must be very thankful to the priests at church. For long, West has tried to appropriate yoga by various means such as 'Christoga'. Priests have helped Hindus to claim their cherished heritage.

Yash, London, UK

Thank God there is still some faith left in the Christian Church in England. I pray that the voices of these vicars continue to reveal the Word of God in their country and that the Holy Spiirt permeates their congregations. The Bible says go into all the world and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ! This news should provide all of the calmness need to settle even the most troubled toddler.

John Rackliffe, Charleston, USA/SC

The point that Yoga is banned by a Christian church makes some sense in a competitive religious landscape.

However, some posts derided Yoga being a dogmatic practice etc does not make sense.

Yoga came long before Church did and will exist long after. Billions have benefited from Yoga from time unknown ...there is no complusion (unlike islam and christianity to show a really gebuine ONE god).

Do the Yoga or do not...but don't deride it...there is no compulsion.

Yash, London, UK

I am so glad to see this debate. As a physio I have long incorporated yoga into treating patients. I have had one patient refuse because of religion in 18 years. She was a dancer. Most of the exercises she uses to warm up/cool down and many dance moves originate from yoga.

You can not trace the root of any movement activity precisely to (or away) from the source. Yoga is more than 3000 years old and has influenced the world of sport/exercise/fitness. Do the vicars ever reach their arms above their heads and stretch oops that is yoga! do they ever touch their toes oops more yoga! See what I mean?

To be consistant they now must ban all other forms of exercise from their premises because it is highly likely directly descended from yoga.

Katie, Anchorage, Alaska

Pats, VSP Usa

Where in the Bible does it say the Earth is flat?

Joanne, Melbourne,

Yoga is not forced on anybody, still Christian church is afraid of yoga. Bible says Earth is flat and 6000 years old where as it is globe and 4.5 Billion years old. Hindus are the only people who said earth is globe and estimated earth's age as 4.3 Billion years. It's time Church accepts the the mistakes in Bible.

Pats, VSP, USA

Take a fakir and nail him to a cross. Then pray ot it. Voilá. Problem solved.

eugene, heidelberg, germany

look at the mails.. the opinions of the learned people.. yoga..a simple excercise has shaken the faith. its is too easy to call anything occult because we donot understand it.. most of us donot even know what is occult. If christianity is the only truth then why you people are affraid. the system of yoga is 5000 years older than christ.. it teach humans to live in peace with one’s mind body and surroundings. it was a well eastablished technique to be healthy when whole of america and europe was uncivilised.. and its people were nomadic.

SHANTANU, new delhi, delhi

There is some evidence that Jesus brought buddhist principles from India that form the teachings of the New Testament. Hitherto the concepts such forgiveness and 'turning the other cheek' were alien to the old testament - the focus of which was very much punishment and retribution. Jesus would have certainly approved of yoga as a man of peace and contemplation.

Ben, London, U.K.

More controlling rubbish from an organization of "tolerance and understanding."

Thank god (sic) that people here know what this is.
Hypocracy, pure hypocracy.

F,S,SUMMERS, lONDON/ NY,

Yoga is a Hindu practice; there is no doubt about it. People who try to say otherwise are only trying to appear PC or more acceptable to non- Hindus. The core philosophy of yoga is Hindu philosophy and its philosophy cannot be separated from its practice.

Therefore, Priests banning it from churches are justified in principle. Christianity doesn’t endorse spiritual philosophy of Hinduism and Yoga so why should they allow it in their churches?

Hinduism has never tried to force its way into any person or society; people follow it by their own choice and discovery of its amazing spiritual and enlightening knowledge. Yogis should find some other place and keep doing what they do in true non-conflicting and loving spirit of Hinduism.

shiv som, london,

To the vicars,

Well done!

Not many people know that yoga originated from worship positions to the Hindu gods, so even if carried out in ignorance, it is against all Christians believe in.

If you want to do yoga - go somewhere else. If you want to follow Christ - don't do yoga.

The choice is yours!

Richard McCoull, Reading, Berkshire

Well we all know the clergy only like nice quiet compliant alter boys and girls. Having fun without the church brainwash just does no service to it, so of course they will refuse.

David, edinburgh,

Laughing a lot, all of us. We are all young generation Indian engineers in a company in Calcutta. News like these from West make us chuckle, but frankly no hard feeling at all. Just pure fun. Can we invite those two vicars to India? All expenses paid from our pocket. We will show them India around. They need to know what is today's modern India. They need to know numerous type of races and religions in India live together. May be the communication gap then will go away. Our contact is:

M-Square Technology

Systems Int team, , Calcutta, India,

I say! Where ARE Christopher Hitchins and Bertrand Russell when you need them? Come Ye to our debate! Rescue us! Anglia's spirit needs to be informed by your polemics. Else, vicars such as these two exalted, will herd us into their flock. HELP, SIRS!

Millard Kent, Austin, USA

WhiteH2OWoman;
1. What makes you actually know, rather than simply believe, Brahman is a false god? What divine knowledge do you have to prove it?

2. Does prayer work? Where is your evidence? Surely if your gods mind can be changed by a prayer then his wisdom is questionable.

3. Who told you Jesus was coming back soon? What's his itinerary? Is he doing interviews? What if turns out to be Brahman???

RJ, Channel islands,

Quote from Wikipedia: "While Yoga evolved as a spiritual practice, in the West it has grown popular as a form of purely physical exercise. Some Western practice has little or nothing to do with Hinduism or spirituality, but is simply a way of keeping fit and healthy. This differs from the traditional Eastern view of yoga." It is a pity that these Anglican and Baptist ministers are apparently ignorant of this. It is hardly surprising that their churches are dying in the UK when their views are so exclusive and blinkered. On the other hand, I think it is also a shame that we in the West have removed the more spiritual aspects of the practice of yoga to concentrate on the physical. A bit more spirituality and a little less materialism would do us all no harm, whatever the creed. I suppose those vicars would rather these children hung about on street corners than risk being "tainted" by another religion. Probably bette to burn them, for the good of their souls, I say.

Lorna, London, England

Doesn't seem very Christian attitude to me! If the vicar had enough faith then he would not feel threatened by something he seems as promoting\promosing something else. How sad.

David Billingham, Birmingham, UK

Is this the 'asserting itself' we wish to see from the Christian Church?

John Clark, Warwick, UK

So very narrow minded. I would prefer Christianity to have a more open minded view of the world and other religions.

VB, London, UK

and christians being narrow-minded is news? I think they have a bit of a cheek calling yoga a sham, personally. the children lose out and, in the end, the church will lose out (so at least some good will come of it).

jem, london, uk

Such medieval madness as criticising yoga belongs back in the dark ages.......

deborah, Norwich, Uk

More advanced forms of Yoga involve meditating on hindu gods and chanting hindu mantras so that the mind is 'one' with the hindu deity.Glad he does not want church hall to be used for prosletysation of children for Hinduism.

gabe, dublin, Ireland

put a person into a calm frame of mind - in touch with some kind of impersonal spiritual reality.
umm..... isn't that christianity?

Brian, Wexford, Ireland

This would be funny if it were no so tragic. So "it is encouraging people to think that there is a way to wholeness of body and mind through human techniques - whereas the only true way to wholeness is by faith in God through Jesus Christ"?

In that case, we should presumably ban any physical exercise for children, lest it improve their bodies, and any education, lest it improve their minds.

It is good to see the dinosaurs that represent the modern (?) Church of England doing their best to hasten their own Darwinian extinction.

Steve Hill, Barford St Michael, Oxon

And then they wonder why church attendance is falling?

David, Wallingford,

Vicars describing Yoga as a sham? That's pretty rich given the drivel that they peddle.

PaulH, Londongrad, USSK

Well done! For we all know that little children practicing yoga is none other but SATAN tempting the virtuous vicars.

Matt, Wuerzburg, Germany

And some Christian wonder why they're "unfairly" lumped in with fundy Muslims etc! 'God' forbid that our youth learn how to calm down sometimes!!

Carl, Aylesbury, Bucks

Yoga is deeply rooted in Hinduism. Sadly many Christians are deceived by it. Christianity is self-sufficent in all its scriptures and spirtual practices to enable anyone (who beleives it) to live a life of abundance, faith and holiness in God. We don't need any neo philosphies claiming traditional, philosophical and non-religious identities to help us acheive these divine qualities.

Jerry, Chennai, India Tamilnadu

Thank God that there is stilla remnant that is willing to stand upon the truth of God's word and the conviction placed in their hearts by the Holy Spirit,nomatter what others think. Praise God for Rev. Jones!

Jorge Moreno, West New York, New Jersey

These nutters can't see the kingdom for the churches!

Ian , London,

Just goes to show how pathetic today's religions are. Utterly, utterly pathetic.

Barry, Newbury, Berks

Anyone familiar with Matthew 10:34 would realise that bringing yoga into a christian context is going to be fraught:

"I did not come to bring peace, but a sword..."

So, fencing lessons are okay then?

Kidd Garrett, Bristol, UK

Another nail in the coffin for the ridiculous, dangerous and superstitious. Keep it up, won't be long now.

Mark, Brighton, England

I think that most people seem to be missing the point She isn't actually teaching yoga, only exercises inspired by yoga (as an exercise form). I guess God will make everyone fit and healthy through prayer, it is the most efficient form of exercise apparently...

A big deal about nothing. It's just a way of some moms and their kids to get out and have fun together.

Steve, Scotland,

All religious heads , whether a christian, Islam or Hindus are 100% fanatic. The Predominant Islamic and Hindu religion are practised in Mid east and South Asian Countries, I can understand that they have to go a long way to shed off their narrow minded approach hence they donot have Modern Outlook, but look at this, the countries which boast of 100% literacy and modern outlook have such a narrow thinking. Quite a shame!!! they should take off that fake modern outlook and liberal mask. As far as I know, British House of Commons honoured Yoga Guru Ramdev on July 18, 2007. LOL. Quite a difference in Outlooks. A Fanatic is quick to blame other religion, some people are trying to Patent Yoga, does that mean they are patenting Hindu belief and thinking??

Romit, New Delhi,

Anyone familiar with Matthew 10:34 would realise that bringing yoga into a christian context is going to be fraught:

"I did not come to bring peace, but a sword..."

So, fencing lessons are okay then?

I suppose it is a good thing that some christians are not prepared to temporise and are prepared to show the nature of their faith.

They worship the same god that condoned the stoning to death of a priest of Baal because he couldn't make it rain.

They worship the same god that led the Israelites out of Egypt on a mission of genocide after visiting the firstborn of Egypt with death, not to mention the famine, frogs and so forth.

They worship the same god that afflicted Job and demanded Abraham sacrifice his son Isaac.

I could go on, I often do, but I think that this is enough to make the point.

Kidd Garrett, Bristol, UK

Speaking as a non-Christian, I can see the vicar's point. Appearances do matter. Yoga has it's philosophical roots in a non-Christian religion, and it's important for a church to assert that yoga's dogma is not compatible with Christian dogma.

On the other hand, this kind of approach holds such a narrow view of what Christianity is, that, taken to the extremes, leads to schism within Christianity, and refusal to recognize some practices as Christian, even if they are practiced by the Essenes themselves.

Chui Tey, Toowoomba, Australia

I've been reading the other posts here and the majority that agree with this vicar are americans and also seem to have some sort of warped view of religion.

Just a thought for all you good ole americans, religion is a manmade phenonemum, Jesus never had a religion. Man had to create something to cause divisions and religion is his greatest acomplishment in that area.

kim, London, England

I know a few witches in Somerset, maybe Tim Jones and Simon Farrar would care to light a few flaming brands and lead a mob of be-pitchforked peasants into Glastonbury one night? I'm sure their own particular brand of Christianity would welcome the diversion from these obviously hideously evil yoga folk. Honestly, when someone who uses a supernatural being as an emotional crutch calls yoga a sham, I have to wonder whether or not we lock the right people up in hospitals...

Jennifer Hynes, Plymouth, England

Yoga is orthodox Hindu religious practice. Look it up or ask any yogi. And orthodox Hindu religious practice worships the false hindu god, Brahman. The First Commandment that the Most High God, the one true God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, gave us is, "You shall have no other gods but Me."

Understand?

You can relax without yoga. Relax by connecting with God through prayer.

Time is short--God's Son, Jesus Christ, is coming back SOON. We don't have time to mess around, and especially not to fool around with false gods and blasphemy.

WhiteH2OWoman, Austin, Texas

The narrow minded Christian is capable of some astounding decisions.

ron, toronto,

What if a random organisation wanted to use a mosque hall for a christmas party but was refused? Christmas in today's society has lost its true meaning and is a totally secular affair for most people. Surely it's okay to have a secular christmas party in a mosque? I wonder how many of you would have problems with that..The point is that yoga is a linked to Hinduism and it should be perfectly acceptable that a Christian Church would refuse to endorse a program that teaches the practices of another religion at odds with Christianiy whether with merely hollow actions or full blown "dogma". What's wrong with standing up for what you feel is right? Secularlist or those who proclaim to be enlightened with "open-mindedness" are in as much danger of becoming bigotted and as close-minded as followers of any religion.

jimbo, birmingham,

Agreeing with the Church. Apparently, it was causing problems. They have a right to control programs they host in their bldg.

kelley, Seattle, WA

Typically ignorant christian ministers. Perhaps they can explain why during 2000 years millions have suffered and died through christian beliefs when for 5000 years, perhaps longer, yoga has only benefited humans and all other life forms. Yoga will still be providing those benefits long after christianity has been abandoned.

Robin, Suffolk, UK

There aren't many Christians any more in Britain.

This is partly because the Church is run by fools as illustrated above.

The other reason is that there are no gods.

Ian, Solihull,

Yoga is not a religion. Christian yoga classes are becoming more popular. You do not have to be a Hindu to do yoga. Do these people think that we can't drink water, because the Hindus do? Christians should have the right to relax just like anyone else.

Pat Gresham, Memphis, USA/Tennessee

So what the Rev Tim Jones is saying is that having a calm mind is un-Christian, and will turn people into Hindus.

Andrew, Leicester,

"Yoga has its roots in Hinduism, and attempts to use exercises and relaxation techniques to put a person into a calm frame of mind - in touch with some kind of impersonal spiritual reality. " And christianity does what exactly? It uses coersion, bullying, superstition and guilt in an attempt to put a person in touch with some kind of impersonal spiritual reality. The sooner the the world wakes up to the fact that we no longer live in the dark ages and have no need to be controlled by self appointed spokesmen for their imaginary friends the better. Thank god I am still an athiest

RJ, Channel islands,

In a competing world of religions, CEO of the church did the right thing to keep off the competitor by a pole. People can practise lower form of yoga (physical exercises) but the higher spiritual forms of yoga would take it closer to Hinduism... That is the fear of the CEO. Yoga has existed since time...physically and spritually beneficial as it is. The fear is justified.

Yash, London, UK

There's no wonder the Church is in crises with these sorts of stupid, short-sighted attitudes.

Keith, Bristol, UK

Only one vicar (Baptists don't have vicars!). Provided syncretism is avoided - as it can be - a Christian form of Yoga can be practised. See books by J M Dechanet OSB "Christian Yoga" and Herbert Slade SSJE - also (I think) with the same title.

Dave, Wrexham,

I have often thought that concentrating on the cross, glass windows or candles is a form of meditation, i.e. in clearing the mind as in Buddhist meditation. When I was a child I can remember being almost trancelike staring at these items and not hearing a word of the sermon. If there is no lead meditation then surely it doesn't go against Christianity. If the Christian church got a bit more with it and ran Yoga classes, etc., perhaps the attendance would go up. I consider myself a Christian but I belong to a Buddhist Sangha, when I meditate I use Christ on the Cross as my focus. I don't know what the current Lama would think but my previous teacher encouraged it. The Buddhists appear to have no fear of the beliefs of other relgiions.

Christine in Hayes, Hayes, Middlesex, England

Wow - I thought all the CRAZY Christians lived here in the US.

Teri, San Fancisco, CA

See, it's stories like this that make people thing Christianity is narrow-minded, bigoted and essentially irrelevant. :rolleyes:

Octavia, Oxford,

Ooookay. I don't know where people get the impression that we Christians are weird ;)

I don't see any problem with yoga. You might have to be careful with some kinds of meditation, but have you ever tried getting toddlers to meditate? Clearly this is just a case of someone overreacting to a word with eastern-religious connotations.

Anna, Isle of Wight, UK

Dear Rev Tim Jones,

I went for a lovely walk in the countryside the other day, and afterwards as I was sitting in a pub garden I found myself in a calm frame of mind. Does this mean I am now a Hindu? Do I have to give up eating beef? Are there any approved Christian mind-de-calming exercises?

Andrew, Leicester,

Many community activities which take place on church premises are not overtly Christian. So why don't churches ban those secular activities too? On the other hand why don't churches welcome all kinds of people into their building with open arms? Surely Jesus would have welcomed everyone.

Tina, South Wales, UK

Imagine no religion, it's easy if you try....

Dali, London,

amazing reaction - I had to check the date

Paul Clarke, Mirfield,

Three cheers for the Vicars!
It's time that the lone small voice crying in the wilderness be LISTENED to. Either people don't know about the spiritual portal that is opened when one practices yoga or they have forgotten, I am the Lord your God and you will have no other gods before Me.

Susan Marriner, Lake Charles, Louisiana

Perhaps a claim under The Equality Act is in order?? Religious organisations are not permitted to refuse the provision of goods and services (including access to properties) on the grounds that a person does not share their beliefs....

Sue 'em!

A Lawyer, Birmingham,

Oh for goodness sake. This is simply ridiculous. If we're going to look at "roots", well then western sports (which are presumably okay with the evangelicals) have their roots in the gymnasium of ancient Greece where people exercised naked and offered oblations to the pagan gods. Are we going to ban aerobics, too?

I'm an Anglican nun and I think these vicars need to get a life.

Ellie Finlay, Tulsa, OK, USA

sorry, lesley, but when kids doing yoga is considered to be letting the enemy in the through the back door, you might want to consider that the enemy is well-established inside the church.

I believe it was jesus himself who said, "suffer the little children, as long as their dancing and singing is within the confines of a politically correct and doctrinally on-message framework. otherwise, let the litlle bastards wander the streets".

feel free to correct me.

jem, london, uk

Thank the lord that churches attendance is droping like a stone (UK)

These people (so called vicars) should really get a grip and start to think like normal human being as aposed to the medevil dogma that they spew forth that has no place in the modern world.
Religion does give good values to live your life by, but by the same token it is the root of acts of narrow minded fools who believe they belong to the "True Faith" and all others are just a "Sham"

“Yoga may appear harmless or even beneficial, but it is encouraging people to think that there is a way to wholeness of body and mind through human techniques - whereas the only true way to wholeness is by faith in God through Jesus Christ.”

Hmm....I am quite whole thank you very much without having to listen to dry crusty old man who has never put his mind to decent use.

Down with narrow minded fools, Up with comman human values.

Aiden Henry, Edinburgh,

I tried to find email address for these churches but to no avail.
i wanted to say 'Well done, good on yer'

It would be so easy to let the enemy in through the back door. These pastors have slammed the door in his face!

So good to see religious ministers standing up for what they believe to be right!

Lesley Nelson, Hempnall, Norfolk

I wonder if any mosque will step up and let her offer Yoga classes there?

gabe, dublin, Ireland

To the vicars...

As your Jesus once said..'.You know not what spirit you are of.'

May the eyes of your understanding be enlightened. May you be free of vain imaginations. If you have perfect love, what need you fear? A peaceful happy state of being in which you can actually commune with your Creator? The Holy Spirit? Or are you just reacting to your mental fabrications around something you don't really understand?

Lori, Medford, Oregon