Tai Chi group barred from Bexhill church hall

Members of the Tai Chi class, run by Richard Odell at St Marks Church hall in Little Common, were informed by letter by rector Jonathan Frais that they have to vacate on March 30 because he deemed the relaxation sessions 'inappropriate on a Christian premises'.

Mr Odell, who teaches the class of 12 people and has taught Tai Chi for 19 years, said: "We have been here for quite a few years. It's insulting and effectively saying the church is now not prepared to tolerate our presence.

"We are particularly angry about this. It's ridiculous.

"Some have written e-mails and letters to the rector saying this is totally wrong. He has even been invited to come to the class to see what we are all about but hasn't been. It's pretty extreme."

Jean Mills, one of the students who regularly goes to Mr Odell's class, said everyone was 'gutted' by the move.

She said: "We heard about this last week, saying we had a month to leave. We are now ringing around to find a new hall.

"Our classes focus on the health benefits of deep breathing and slow exercise which has improved our balance, lung capacity, has strengthened our muscles and helped our brains as we learn the exercise routines.

"We all consider ourselves Christians with several of us regular churchgoers."

Mrs Mills said the group had to use a cramped cabin for sessions while improvement works on St Marks Church hall were going on last year.

Another student, who wished not to be named, said she found the decision 'baffling'.

She said: "For almost four years I have attended Tai Chi lessons and from the onset Mr Odell made it clear to us that he did not teach a religion.

"The aim is to promote good health and well being and it does just that. In my own case I was encouraged to do so by both my GP and physiotherapist."

Mr Frais said: "Tai Chi is a practise from the Taoist religion and represents a way of finding peace, both mentally and spiritually different than that offered by the Christian faith.

"Although the relaxation techniques of Tai Chi are not teaching a different religion, it advocates practises that come from a different faith.

"I asked Mr Odell for a copy of his teaching methods and it was enough for me to start on a gentle learning curve about the origins of it (Tai Chi].

"It got to the point where it struck me that it is inappropriate on Christian premises for an expression of another religion to be hosted.

"I wish the group well in their relocation. Tai Chi classes are flourishing elsewhere and are much appreciated."

He said he had 'taken time' over his decision to ask the group to leave and did not want to be 'too hasty'.

Mr Frais said: "I have written to Mr Odell apologising for any misperceived discourtesy as that was never my intention."

If anyone has an alternative venue in Little Common for Mr Odell's class they can contact him on 07966709920.