UNITED KINGDOM, February 11, 2015 (Christian): St. Michael and All Angels’ Church who made a decision last year that ended a yoga class’s use of its hall because the activity’s roots are “incompatible with the Christian faith” has received support from its diocese.
Church council members informed yoga instructor Naomi Hayama that they were no longer allowing groups linked to “alternative spiritualities” to use their facilities. Hayama held twice-weekly yoga classes for around 30 people in the church building for nine years.
A spokeswoman for the Diocese of Bristol said they support the church’s stance, as decisions on leasing buildings lie with the relevant parochial church council. A statement from the church said: “The primary purpose of these buildings is the worship of God as revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. “Yoga means the union of “mind, body and spirit”. By definition, therefore, yoga is a spiritual activity whose roots are not Christ centered.