ONE of the aims of the New Life Baptist Church in Northallerton, Yorkshire is to help young children:
Meet with God and have lots of fun.
Here’s one of its really “fun” ideas: make kids apologise to God in writing – then EAT the piece of paper.
This is what happened to seven-year-old Luis Mullen, pictured here, when deranged church members gained access to pupils at Ainderby Steeple primary school near his home in Northallerton.
The loopy New Life mob aims to get at 'em when they are so young and impressionable they will swallow any old crap
According to this report, the boy’s mum, Celia Mullen, 46, says Luis and other children at this C of E school were encouraged to take part in the bizarre ritual by members of the evangelical church during a visit to his class.
She says the incident has left her son so disturbed that he now refuses to sleep on his own and scrawls pictures of the Devil.
Mullen said the first she knew about the visit by the evangelical New Life Baptist Church was when her son came home from school upset.
In tears, the boy told her:
We had to eat a piece of paper with the word sorry on it.
She then discovered that this stupid exercise formed part of the church’s “Kidzone Roadshow” and was called “The Big Prayer Experience”.
It went into the need for adoration of God and to ask God for help. It said, ‘We confess when we say sorry for something wrong. Today we are going to say Sorry to God. We will write sorry on a piece of paper and eat it’. I was horrified.
At home Luis refused to sleep in his room and presented his mum with a picture he had drawn – of the Devil with horns, tail and a trident fork. Then he drew an angel.
Since all this Âhappened Luis has not been able to sleep alone. It has left him disturbed.
Mullen says she complained to headteacher Fiona Sharp. She claims that when she confronted Miss Sharp over Âmaking pupils eat their ‘apologies to God’, written on rice paper, she was told:
That is what we do.
Celia has asked her local MP, Foreign Secretary William Hague, to investigate and has found Luis a place at another school. To her horror, she later discovered that the church group makes monthly day visits there too.
She said:
I had no choice but to accept. There aren’t any other schools around here they don’t go into, but I have added that he must not attend these sessions.
Another concerned parent who has asked not to be named has also switched his children’s schools to avoid the prayer sessions. He said:
I have my religious beliefs, I have my faith, but this is indoctrination of young minds on an unprecedented scale.
The church’s assistant pastor Steve Cowie confirmed the incident but added:
We are sorry that anyone should be upset, we have no intention to upset, we do not intimidate, we do not force anyone to do anything.
The school’s board of governors is investigating the incident.
Ironically, the church says on its website:
The well being of children is something we at NLBC believe to be of the utmost importance and it is in this context that child protection and good working practice are a priority.
Hat tip: Marcus
The Freethinker was founded in 1881 by GW Foote, an outspoken critic of religion. After the publication of 
August 10th, 2011 at 9:56 am
So the head of the school, Fiona Sharp, said, “This is what we do.” Here is what the Education Authority ought to do, “Sack Fiona Sharp. She is not fit to be in charge of a school.”
The arrogance of these religious crazies is stunning. They infest society like a virus and inflict their demented ideas on people regardless of the wishes of their victims.
I wonder what action William Hague will take?
August 10th, 2011 at 10:03 am
Child abuse by any other name smells the same.
August 10th, 2011 at 10:19 am
I feel disturbed myself that horrific acts with the purpose of corrupting children’s minds when they are at their most impressionable is able to continue.
I agree with Broga in that Fiona Sharp should not be allowed to stay in charge of the school when she has blatantly let the psychological abuse of a pupil continue without further notice!
Growing up in a catholic school myself, I would wish that no child be indoctrinated to any faith at such a young age the way that I was. The acts in this church are disturbing at best, and child abuse at worst.
I hope that no other child become as shaken as Celia’s son, and that this church stop its ritualistic, cultist activities if they are done in the presence or involving children. It’s just not right.
August 10th, 2011 at 10:45 am
And where are all the supposed educators who police the children’s diets? I’d have thought the Safety Elves would have quite a lot to say about it, too.
August 10th, 2011 at 10:52 am
The really worrying thing about all this is just how much proselytising must be going on day to day in schools all over the country. It’s only when an incident like this gets attention that we even catch a glimpse of the creeping programme of stealth indoctrination that these people are implementing.
It really is very disturbing and needs confronting quickly before we end up with a whole generation of brainwashed, god-fearing religiots taking over the reins at every level of society.
But how do we stop them getting free access to our kids? Who would be best placed to lead a campaign to get it addressed and stopped?
August 10th, 2011 at 10:58 am
Surely the school should be there to EDUCATE.
There’s nothing educational in writing down and eating the word “sorry” – It’s insanely weird and very creepy.
What kind of demented headcases are these people. And the Head teacher – “this is what we do” I am reminded of the Bishop of Southwark, climbing into the back of a car, and throwing the children’s toys out – and when contronted by the startled parents who were trying to et him out of their car – he said “I’m the Bishop of Southwark – This is what I do”
Of course, he was very, very drunk….
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/new.....-head.html
LOL
August 10th, 2011 at 11:00 am
All sorts of Christian nutcases manage to access our schools. See my comments about this story on the previous thread!
August 10th, 2011 at 11:06 am
http://countiesuk.org/
August 10th, 2011 at 11:07 am
In a (kind of) answer to my own question, it seems the NSS has advice on their website about how parents can opt their kids out of religious indoctrination.
http://www.secularism.org.uk/w.....ights.html
However, they don’t seem to be actively campaigning to stop groups coming into schools and attempting to inculcate their beliefs into the minds of children. Maybe it’s time they did.
August 10th, 2011 at 12:08 pm
Oh yes here we go again the deranged religious lot cant get older people to join to help keep the money flowing in so they have decided to addcruelty to children to their list of attrocities.This must be stopped. In Parkistan becaue of religion they are shooting little children in the legs etc.because they belong to another sect.
August 10th, 2011 at 12:14 pm
One can inoculate one’s children against this sort of thing. Even a six years old can understand the principle of pyramid cons, especially if you explain with practical examples, using smarties.
As to telling lies, well children understand that all right. You just have to give them permission to doubt what ‘grown ups’ say.
Far too many parents send their children to school and church with the command: Do as you are told; mind what the teacher/priest tells you; don’t make trouble; etc.
Respect your teacher means: Do not call her a liar to her face, but if she says something you think is wrong (like the earth is flat, the universe is 6000 years old) you may say, I shall have to check that because I have been told something else.
If the priest does ANYTHING he doesn’t want you to talk about GET OUT! (if necessary kick, bite and scream)
Most parents don’t want to upset their children with, “actually your history teacher is a raving nut-case, but even raving nut-cases need to eat, so just nod and smile, and we can get history prior to 4000 BCE out of the encyclopaedia.” but sometimes if is helpfull if they know that this or that person should be taken with a bucket of salt.
p.s. Make the priest eat his words, all the testaments, without salt.
August 10th, 2011 at 12:31 pm
If this kind of thing were being done for any other subject than religion, there’d be health-and-safety considerations, parents’ meetings, protests, accusations of child abuse, heads made to roll. Ah, but it’s good ol’ cuddly-wuddly religion, so it’s OK.
August 10th, 2011 at 3:00 pm
THIS is another reason why religion should be kept out of schools.
We should introduce this kid to heavy metal and show him how the devil can be a fun thing
August 10th, 2011 at 3:07 pm
Hmm. What should we do with raving religious nutcases?
a) Press pillows over their faces until they stop twitching, to gently but firmly put them out of their misery
or
b) Invite them into our schools to fill our kids’ heads with dangerous maniac nonsense
I know which I’d choose, but I suppose I’m predictable like that.
August 10th, 2011 at 3:26 pm
This is horribly repugnant! This makes me sick.
August 10th, 2011 at 4:11 pm
@Andy Armitage: You got that right. Suppose anyone else, not covered by the cloak of religion, went into a school and forced small children to eat paper. Social Services would be after them like a lurcher after a rabbit. Why are Social Services not involved in these horrific cases?
August 10th, 2011 at 4:34 pm
It is also very worrying that this and the previous government are/were run by religious zealots of one kind or another and encouraging the formation of religious cult schools daily.
August 10th, 2011 at 4:39 pm
Assistant pastor Steve Cowie says;
“We are sorry that anyone should be upset, we have no intention to upset, we do not intimidate, we do not force anyone to do anything.”
Mr. Cowie, you are an adult in a school environment. It would take a very brave seven year old to refuse your directions even if the child was uncomfortable with them. You therefor are intimidating those children and by your authority, forcing them.
I urge you to eat a copy of your poxy bible to show how sorry you really are.
August 10th, 2011 at 4:44 pm
We used to sing “choruses” when I was a boy. Here’s one we used to love because we could stamp our feet to the rhythm:
Steadily forward march, to Jesus we will bring
Sinners of ev’ry kind, and he will take them in;
The rich, the poor as well, it does not matter who,
So bring them in with all their sin – he’ll wash them white as snow.
There was also another very popular one that went: Plunge right in, lose your sin, there’s a fountain flowing deep and wide…
How on earth is that appropriate to a child’s understanding of things? No wonder I ended up completely fucked up!
August 10th, 2011 at 4:47 pm
Broga
Good question. Surely the school’s Board of Governors should have a legal obligation to involve the social services if it believes that children are or have been subjected to improper contact with adults. I’m sure they won’t because it would create bad publicity for the school and cast doubts on themselves and their headmistress.
Speaking of whom, if you would like to tell her what you think of her ‘This is what we do’ comment, please do so by emailing her at office@ainderbysteepleschool.org
I’d also love to know what William Hague has to say on the subject. If he ever gets round to responding.
August 10th, 2011 at 5:32 pm
It seems to me that it is the last remaining remnants of ‘cultural Christianity’ that prevents these evangelicals from being instantly recognisable as being of questionable sanity. Their beliefs and practices appear to be totally batty to the likes of us but to someone who is still nominally Christian they seem relatively normal. Hopefully in another generation or so these kinds of people will be looked upon as fruitbats by just about everyone.
August 10th, 2011 at 5:50 pm
@AgentCormac: Child Care legislation states, “The welfare of the child is paramount.” And that is legislation Social Sevices must enforce. When are they going to start because these children are very clearly “at risk.” How long would they leave a child with a mother who was forcing it to eat paper.
August 10th, 2011 at 6:09 pm
Screw Social Services, why haven’t the police been called in? This is child abuse, pure and simple.
August 10th, 2011 at 6:38 pm
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August 10th, 2011 at 6:42 pm
@The Woggler: More likely to get some action with the police. It is definitely child abuse: mental, physical and emotional. They are leaving children so terrified they cannot sleep.
August 10th, 2011 at 8:26 pm
The Scripture Union is still going strong, and still active in state schools:
http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/8.id
August 10th, 2011 at 9:04 pm
And Americans have their own ways – naturally – of “getting a Christian Message into schools without getting into trouble”!
http://www.relevantmagazine.co.....subculture
August 10th, 2011 at 9:34 pm
Here’s another great site. You MUST watch the video!
http://www.message.org.uk/
August 10th, 2011 at 9:43 pm
“Give me a child for for his first seven years and I’ll…” completely fuck his head up.
I’d heard of sin eating as a historical thing, but I had no idea it still went on.
Here’s another oldie-but-goody that just won’t go away.
August 10th, 2011 at 10:54 pm
My wife had problems with learning in school – dyslexia- which was not recognized back then. So when it can time for our kids to start school she got a job at the school to basically spy on them. If any teacher tried ANYTHING shady she would be on them like a ton of brick! This example nor anything like it never happened here (USA-NE)but she was ever watchful.
Moderate, loving Xtians??? BS! I don’t trust any religious direct group for anything. But then again I don’t trust any group with out researching them.
August 11th, 2011 at 12:09 am
The church’s assistant pastor Steve Cowie confirmed the incident but added:
We are sorry that anyone should be upset, we have no intention to upset, we do not intimidate, we do not force anyone to do anything.
so what happens when little jonnie says “this is nonsense i’m not doing it” I suspect cowie and co don’t say ok thats fine with us.
August 11th, 2011 at 1:54 am
God’s B-boys bustin some moves in that Genetik video. Just hideous.
Now I’m remembering that Tim Westwood is a vicar’s son. That excruciating ‘white cosseted middle class nice boy acting gangsta’ routine is toe-curling. In exactly the same way that christian rock is.
No self-respecting young person will go near this piss. Sadly, some of the pathetic dopey cunt losers might as it offers a contrived whiff of the glamour which they are so far removed from that they cannot diffentiate street-cred from this street-crud.
August 11th, 2011 at 1:55 am
How do these fraudulent monsters get into the schools? Do they promise eternal funding or eternal life in some sort of bodyless limbo, maybe the tuckshop could get ointo the spirit and serve red wine and crackers for evey lunch, not just sundays. Why is it assumed that these are good people? They are there for one reason only and that is to get more indoctrinated kiddies into the pews and as commented above, keep the dollars flowing in. It would be better for all if one had to pay for the wine and crackers. Perhaps they could add to the offer and include an avacado dip.
August 11th, 2011 at 4:16 am
I emailed Ms Sharp, politely but making the point, if you are in the mind to do the same then also copy Hagues constituency office plattj@parliament.uk and ask him to act.
For balance I also looked at the Church website, they have made a statement that it was rice paper, and thay icing was used to write the words. Who knows, they have still rather missed the point, no one thought they were trying to choke the kids, regardless it is exactly the sort of religious intrusion into childrens lives that needs to be stopped.
Thanks for bringing this to our attention, perhaps there needs to be a secular action group to organise against this nonsense in numbers and at the highest levels? If there is one let me know and I will join
August 11th, 2011 at 7:51 am
Thoreau: My thoughts precisely! There aren’t words to convey what I think about Tim “Gettin’ dahn and feelin’ thah love man” Westwood and his kind. Sadly, I know from experience that headteachers, in particular, think it makes them look really “cool” to have this type of person in their schools, and, as Robster says, if there is a Christian message linked to their activities there is an automatic assumption that they are “doing something good for society”. Similarly, as has been said here before, parents will gladly send their kids off for brainwashing at Sunday Schools run by all sorts of far-out Christian groups of which they know absolutely nothing, convinced in their own minds that it is “good for them”! Here’s a link to the Genetik site itself:
http://www.message.org.uk/genetik/
Check it aht, man.
August 11th, 2011 at 8:07 am
I agree with Dicken that secular groups need to be much more militant in opposing these sorts of activities. With the huge increase in “free schools” they are sure to escalate.
August 11th, 2011 at 8:11 am
http://youtu.be/FH0QNuFIZJk
Dont’ forget to “side hug”!
August 11th, 2011 at 9:04 am
barriejohn & Dicken
I totally agree – someone needs to get on their case and let them know that they are being watched. Parents also need to be alerted when head teachers are allowing external groups of adults into school with an agenda to influence their child’s beliefs.
I think the NSS is probably best placed to do this, and if enough of us petition them to take it up as a cause perhaps they will adopt the idea.
You can join me by writing to them here:
enquiries@secularism.org.uk
August 11th, 2011 at 9:17 am
“I had no choice but to accept. There aren’t any other schools around here they don’t go into, but I have added that he must not attend these sessions.”
Outrageous!
Does not the UK have laws offering protection from this sort of nonsense? Although I have issues with the US, had this occurred in our jurisdiction and within a public (state-funded) school, there would be investigations, firings, and lawsuits.
Lawsuits. Is this remedy available in the UK? Unfortunately public “officials” here are generally shielded from responsibility, but there are still means of grabbing them by the throat through civil process.
August 11th, 2011 at 9:21 am
Re the NSS [National Secular Society] They are an independent organisation that rely on membership subscription and donations to support their campaigns, as does the Freethinker magazine.
So if you are not currently contributing financially to support these much needed organisations, do it now – please.
Remember: the religious have millions of £ to fund their fundie-ism, and a compliant media.
August 11th, 2011 at 12:12 pm
Well said, Angela. Don’t just email the NSS telling them what they should be doing. Go to the website http://www.secularism.org.uk/ subscribe and support.
August 11th, 2011 at 12:33 pm
Agree with you both, Angela_K & AngieRS. I would recommend people do the same for the BHA, too.
http://www.humanism.org.uk/home
These organisations work hard to represent the views of people like us and to stem the tide of religion. We should be doing all we can to support them.