10:08am Monday 11th December 2006
By Louise Dunderdale
A MINISTER who asked Father Christmas to remove his costume in church has found himself at the centre of a community row, but backed by other church ministers.
Blandford Lions Club members had handed out presents and Christmas wishes to children in the Corn Exchange, then joined a civic carol service in St Peter and St Paul's Church in the town.
The Rev Tim Storey approached Henry Cuff and asked him to remove the costume but Mr Cuff refused and left, followed by other Lions members.
In a website statement, Mr Storey defended his actions and said he was surprised at the reaction as last year Mr Cuff removed the costume.
He has been invited to attend the Lions Club next meeting.
Mr Storey said: "My job is to proclaim or maybe reclaim' the Christian story of the birth of Jesus Christ as being at the heart of the celebration.
"In practical terms, this means that I do not believe that Father Christmas should be a part of church services any more than Santa's grotto should have a manger and a baby Jesus.
"Keeping the two distinct is important for both."
Church ministers backed Mr Storey.
Brook MacCallum, senior pastor at Blandford Evangelical Church, said: "The real message of Christmas celebrated in a carol service is exactly that, not Father Christmas.
"I would stand with Tim Storey on the stance he took on it but I have never had to deal with such a situation myself."
The Rev Colin Marsh of Blandford's United Reformed Church said: "I suppose somebody sitting in a costume might be a distraction."
He added: "If I thought quickly enough I might have incorporated him into the service."
He said early tales of a man doing good deeds had been turned into Santa.
The Rev Rob Marshall of the Diocese of Salisbury said there was a loose connection between Father Christmas and St Nicholas but it was about showing "basic respect" for religious buildings.
Blandford mayor Sheila Chapman said she was "sad" the incident had occurred.
No one from Blandford Lions Club could be reached for comment.
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