Villagers have received a church magazine telling them they are "siding with the Devil" if they celebrate Halloween. An article in the Belvoir Angel, delivered to homes in the Vale of Belvoir, criticises families who take their children trick or treating. It describes the evening as a "concentration on evil and making fun of potentially dangerous situations".
Mum-of-four Mariel Heald, of Stathern, north of Melton, takes her children trick or treating every year to friends' homes. The 36-year-old, who helps out at her local church, said: "It's so intense.
"The article is saying that anyone trick or treating is Devil-worshipping. We don't think of it that way, it's just a bit of fun. They've gone over the top and I find it quite offensive and upsetting. I've spoken to other people who have also been shocked."
About 500 copies of the magazine, from the nine churches which make up the Vale of Belvoir benefice, are distributed in villages between Bottesford and Long Clawson. It is either put through doors of people who request it, or left in churches for people to collect.
The article, Halloween Isn't a Treat – Don't be Tricked, says: "On this evening, normally law-abiding people damage the property of those whom they should be good neighbours. In some cases, they bring fear, especially to the elderly. The practice of 'trick o' treat' – which is only using extortion and blackmail to prevent vandalism – is condemned as criminal the rest of the year."
It concludes by saying: "Celebrating Halloween means we are siding along with the Devil and all his works." Troy Jenkinson, head teacher at Stathern Primary School, which is holding a Halloween family disco, said: "I can definitely say we are not siding with the Devil."
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