PROTEST AT HIGH MASS

Evening Star, Issue 26028, 17 February 1947, Page 6

PROTEST AT HIGH MASS

CLERGYMAN BEFORE COURT LONDON, Feb. 14.' The Rev. Wilfred St.. Clair _ Taylor aiid Mi* Matthew'Arnold Perkins, respectively general director and organising secretary of the National Union of Protestants, were bound over at the Bow Street Police Court to-day on charges arising from an incident at St. Mary le Strand Church on January 30. The charge,- against Mr Taylor W*s wilful obstruction of a highway. Both werq charged' with using insulting words and behaviour. The charge against Mr Taylor of “ molesting, disturbing, and troubling a preacher was withdrawn. The Magistrate’ said:, “ I think it damnable to see two gentlemen like these of, the highest probity and purity of character, moved by deep religious convictions, sitting mthat dock, which was not designed for them.” . . [On January 30 two policemen lea the Rev. W. St. Clair Taylor from the church following a demonstration at the church door during High Mass and a sermon by the Bishop of Oxford, th Right Rev. K. E. Kirk. Several members of the union claimed that they had been refused permission toenter tfie church. The demonstration began when the service had been in- progress half an hour. Mr Perkins shouted several times- “ I claim a legal right to attend this church.” A clergyman in the doorwav asiked him to leave. Mr Perkins ahonted: 11 T refuse to go. J