St Michaels Church on Gloucester Road in Bristol have banned Yoga classes from their halls. After 9 years of teaching at their venue, Naomi Hayama and her class were given notice to leave by the end of February 2015.

In the letter terminating her contract they state that Yoga’s....'roots lie in thinking which is not compatible with the Christian faith' and that they will 'no longer take either new or continuing bookings for groups practicing alternative spirituality.'

She explained that the classes she teaches have no religious aspect and are run purely for physical and mental wellbeing and invited the members of the church council to come and observe a class for themselves. They declined this offer and despite numerous discussions with concerned members of the community they pushed ahead with their decision.

We are calling on them to show tolerance and understanding by allowing this class, which provides great health benefits to the local community.