Rector throws Tai Chi class out of church hall

An exercise class has been left high and dry following a church minister's sudden decision to oust its members. Members of the Tai Chi class, run by Richard Odell at St Marks Church hall in Little Common, Bexhill, were informed by letter by rector Jonathan Frais that they have to vacate on March 30 because he deemed the relaxation sessions 'inappropriate on a Christian premises'.

Mr Odell, who teaches the class of 12 people and has taught Tai Chi for 19 years, said: "We have been here for quite a few years. It's insulting and effectively saying the church is now not prepared to tolerate our presence. We are particularly angry about this. It's ridiculous.

"Some have written e-mails and letters to the rector saying this is totally wrong. He has even been invited to come to the class to see what we are all about but hasn't been. It's pretty extreme."



Mr Frais said: "Tai Chi is a practise from the Taoist religion and represents a way of finding peace, both mentally and spiritually different than that offered by the Christian faith.

"Although the relaxation techniques of Tai Chi are not teaching a different religion, it advocates practises that come from a different faith. I asked Mr Odell for a copy of his teaching methods and it was enough for me to start on a gentle learning curve about the origins of it (Tai Chi].

"It got to the point where it struck me that it is inappropriate on Christian premises for an expression of another religion to be hosted. I wish the group well in their relocation."