Sinister threat to Downham clergyman
AN outspoken church leader, who disagreed with supermarket staff dressing up for Hallowe'en, has received a threatening letter telling him to apologise or else.
An anonymous letter writer sent a typed note to the Rev Andrew Colthart at Downham Sovereign Centre, warning that failure to say sorry may result in "reprisal", alongside the sinister message – we know where you are.
Mr Colthart accused supermarket staff of promoting evil and striking fear into the hearts of shoppers when they dressed up as witches and devils for Hallowe'en to raise money for the Red Cross, in an article in the Lynn News.
Mr Colthart said: "Everybody is entitled to their opinion and I feel as a minister it is my responsibility to talk to people and warn people. I was not against the charity or even Tesco, it was what they were promoting.
"I was a bit taken aback to receive this letter, especially the aspect about reprisal.
"I was expecting comment to be made, but I think they should have the courage of their convictions to put their name to it and let's have a talk about it."
Before Mr Colthart's comments were published, he was subjected to another of the dark sides of the Hallowe'en – a festival which has roots in Pagan beliefs – when his home, in Denver, was pelted with eggs and flour.
He said he has received positive as well as negative responses for his stance, including an email from a Lynn man saying it was a shame more ministers did not speak out.
A poll in the Lynn News showed 25 per cent of readers who registered an opinion thought he was right to criticise supermarket staff.
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Weather for King's Lynn
Sunday 27 May 2012
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Temperature: 9 C to 26 C
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