A SENIOR church figure has stepped into the row between villagers and church officials at St David’s Church in Blaenporth.

Parishioners have threatened to boycott the church after it said it would ban yoga from its premises because it is "non-Christian".

Church officers in Blaenporth, are in talks with local villagers about converting part of St David’s Church into a community centre after complaints about a lack of facilities

The talks have foundered because the Parochial Church Council (PCC) has ruled that “non-Christian activities” would not be permitted. One of these was deemed to be yoga.

In a letter to Aberporth Community Council, one resident is reported to have written: "I would like to make you aware of the intended community activity restrictions that have been imposed once St David's Church, Blaenporth is part-converted into a well-needed community centre.

"I and no doubt some Blaenporth residents are not at all happy with the view the church has on community activities like yoga, tai chi, taekwondo, cash prize bingo and the like. It is supposed to be a community affair where old and young can enjoy a better quality of life.

"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."

Now the Bishop of St Davids has urged the PCC to “find out more” before banning yoga in their church

Bishop Joanna Penberthy, in a statement, has asked them to rethink the decision.

She said: “While the Bishop of St Davids respects the right of parishes to decide what does or does not take place on their premises, it is clear that many people in the diocese have found practising yoga to be of huge benefit.

“To criticise a long standing practice of another religious tradition out of hand without an in depth study and a good theological rationale is unwise. I would encourage the PCC to find out more about yoga before making a final decision.”

The Area Dean, Revd John Bennett, who chaired the PCC meeting at which the matter was discussed, has said he thinks the council would be prepared to re-visit the decision, which was not voted on but was raised as part of a general debate about what might or might not be acceptable.