A group of witches is claiming religious Discrimination after church leaders banned them from using its social club. Sandra Davis - High Priestess at the Crystal Cauldron - had reserved Our Lady's Social Club in Shaw Heath, Stockport for her Pagan group's Annual Witches' Ball.
But when she rang to make payment arrangements she was told the event could not be held there and - despite already having printed tickets - another venue must be found.
The Diocese of Shrewsbury have since confirmed witches are not 'compatible with the Catholic ethos'.
Sandra, 61, said: "I'm appalled.
"My congregation is shocked that in this day and age there can be such religious discrimination.
"We're normal people who follow an earth-based religion and want to enjoy ourselves.
"We thought we were bridging the gap With Other religions but misconceptions still exist, like we sacrifice animals.
"Does the church check everyone's beliefs before allowing them in the club?
"Now we need another venue for at least 100 people with a stage for entertainment.
"At this point that's going to be very difficult."
Sandra, of Bridge Hall, set up the Crystal Cauldron as a pagan meeting place and hopes to turn it into a temple.
This year's ball was planned for October and Sandra agreed to hire the social club for ?175.
But the Reverend John Joyce, from the Diocese of Shrewsbury, said there was no way the event could go ahead.
"Parish centres under our auspices let their premises on the Understanding users and their organisations are compatible with the ethos and teachings of the Catholic church," he said.
"In this instance, we aren't satisfied such requirements are met."
Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):
Athena Gardner - Witchcraft Dictionary Of Craft TermsAleister Crowley - Liber 200 Resh Vel Helios Or Adorations Of The Sun
Amber Lynne Ault - Witches Wicca And Revitalization Reconsiderations
Damon Leff - Witchcraft A Study In Bias Prejudice And Discrimination In South Africa
