Is it any wonder church congregations are dwindling?

Especially with the narrow minded attitude shown by St Barnabas Church, Istead Rise, towards the beauty therapist's offer of an Indian head massage to help raise money for the church and Istead Rise Primary School, at an auction of promise.

I find it incompatible with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasises upon a certain spirit in one's conduct and was careful to teach principles only.

I feel it was insensitive and offensive to the Indian population living here to suggest Indian head massage had spiritual origins and Eastern customs which are not compatible with the Christian faith.

I wonder if those Christians at St Barnabas remember the three wise men, who incidentally came from the East? Had they reported the whereabouts of the Christ child to King Herod there would have been no Christian religion today.

Those people attending the auction of promise consisted of many different faiths and cultures and are quite capable of knowing what is best for them, without holier-than-thou Christians deciding for them.

It's apparent no lessons have been learnt from the days of the Inquisition and the Crusade by the spiritual arrogance and sanctimonious views emanating from St Barnabas Church at Istead Rise.

Pause for thought does this contravene the Race Discrimination Act, I wonder?

Bert Leonard Fairview Road Istead Rise