adminA baptist church was at the centre of a police probe after a sign which suggested non-Christians would “burn in hell” was investigated as a “hate incident”. The offending sign at Attleborough Baptist Church in Nuneaton, Norfolk, pictured burning flames below words which read: “If you think there is no God you better be right!!”.
Now the church has been forced to remove the sign after a passer-by complained to police that it could “not be further” from the Christian phrase, love thy neighbour.
Robert Gladwin, 20, said: “It is my basic understanding that Christianity is inclusive and loving in nature. The message being displayed outside of the church could not be further from the often uttered phrase ‘love thy neighbour’.”
Gladwin said he was “astounded” when he spotted the poster by chance as he was walking home.
He said: “I was just astounded really. We live in the 21st century and they have put that message – that non-Christians will burn in hell — up to try and scare people into joining their mentality.”
The strongly-worded sign — which was put up next to a notice board which promises that visitors “can always be sure of a very warm welcome” — was taken down by Pastor John Rose after police launched an investigation into the complaint.
A Norfolk police spokesman said: “Norfolk Constabulary received a report regarding a poster outside a church in Attleborough which was deemed offensive by the complainant. “National guidance required us to investigate the circumstances and the matter has been recorded as a hate incident. Having spoken to the pastor of the church, it has been agreed the poster will be taken down.”
But despite the sign now being removed, it has still caused controversy in the church’s local area.
Chris Copsey, from Norfolk Humanists, branded the sign “pernicious nonsense”. He said: “I believe the people of Attleborough have more common sense than to give this sign any credence.”
Terry Sanderson, president of the National Secular Society, also defended the church and said police involvement was the equivalent of “banning the Bible”. He said: “Personally I don’t find it offensive. But we did fight a long battle of freedom of speech together with Christian groups because we believe that freedom of speech is essential to a functioning society. “If you don’t give free speech to everybody then it isn’t free speech and as long as they aren’t inciting violence then I think it is acceptable to say whatever you want to say.”
But the Reverand Simon Ward, of the Diocese of Norwich, said: “I guess they are trying to open a conversation and cause people to think.
“However, I think there are more positive conversations that you could have and more positive reasons for coming to church.” — AFP.
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