I knew as I approached the town centre that the sound snaking its way through the streets could only mean one thing. Someone had let a gospel choir loose in the centre of town. I was not wrong. There were lots of them dancing around, some dressed up and some in T-shirts proclaiming god. The PA system was unbearably loud and I felt sorry for the poor people working in shops that had to endure this.
It was too loud even for me to try and shout back. I wish I could have asked for the microphome so that I caould have asked them a few questions about their saviour. I am really annoyed that Rotherham metropolitan Borough Council (RMBC) would allow minority groupd to preach like this. Having a few stalls that people can wander over to is one thing but very loud "In your face" gospel salvation?
There were plenty of people about who I made an informed guess were muslim and there were a few people sat around in the square taking it in but most people were going on their way getting on with whatever people do in Rotherham town centre.
I wish I could have done a little delving by asking what their views were on homosexuality and other choice nuggets from their holy book but I had my kid and his friend with me and I just wasn't prepared.
Anyway, here is the hasty prepared email that I sent off to RMBC Town Centre Team. I am connected through my work. Should be interesting to see what I get back.
Hi Rotherham Town Centre
I am writing to enquire about hiring a spot in Rotherham town centre. I see you had a full blown gospel outfit there today making lots of noise and preaching about they found Jesus. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to hang around for too long as it was a bit on the loud side and hearing is not good at the best of times.
Are any religious groups allowed book a slot to do this? I feel that the issue of religion is not being addressed in the way that it should and would love to put on a similar event so that my congregation can become more proactive in putting the important messages to people who may not have read or fully understood the Bible. As you may be aware, this holy book on which our Country’s faith was built, condemns homosexuality as a sin and has clear messages about how women should behave what should happen to people who worship false idols. We feel that there is not enough contemplation given to these issues in the modern age. We also have t-shirts and balloons and our own public address system and are ready to roll.
Would you please let me know how I can secure a booking and what paperwork I need to fill in. Can it be done online? I appreciate that you may have to give equal space to the different denominations of Christianity, the other Abrahamic faiths and various other ‘groups’ that have a different god but I hope we will be able to arrange something before the end of the Summer.
Yours hopefully
Mr Bloom.
