A vicar and senior members of the church community saw a more sinister side to Tai Chi and decided the ancient martial art, with its roots in the Chinese Taoist philosophy, was incompatible with Christianity and should be banned. So the Rev David Rhodes told the group of around 20 regulars who attended the classes at the All Saints Church Hall in the South Yorkshire village of Totley that they were banned and must find an alternative venue.
Needless to say, the decision has brought ridicule upon the vicar and his church 'elders' who have been condemned as 'bigots'.
Tai Chi combines deep breathing and concentration with slow, controlled movements aimed at developing strength, balance and calm. It is beneficial to the joints and works the muscles gently.
The Rev Rhodes said 'Within the church we see Tai Chi as being an aspect of the Taoist religion. We want to promote a whole life spirituality which centres on following Jesus and and we feel that the two things clash. Our understanding is that the basis of Tai Chi is in Eastern religion and from the church's point of view that isn't something that we want to be involved in.
Ronnie Robinson, spokesman for the Tai Chi Union for Great Britain, said 'These little old ladies in the church hall will have no knowledge or concern about Taoism or anything like that.'
We have been involved in Tai Chi for a year now and religion has never ever been mentioned and I don’t expect it ever to be!
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