LETTERS PAGE

INTENSE CONCERN AND IRRITATION

Source : 01/04/1989 Northampton Evening Telegraph

I write to give vent to a feeling of intense concern and irritation.

Last Saturday, while shopping with my family in Northampton's town centre, I experienced the ugly and intimidating presence of the so-called 'Jesus Army' - decked out in army jackets, with gaudy and absolute labels upon their backs, they exuded a curious mixture of fanaticism.

My concern is that many people could, and do, feel threatened by such a mob, and that the aims and achievements of this religious society are necessarily questionable; and like all things which go under the name religion, anything is allowed.

When there are no laws governing the concept and practice of religion, there is consequently no protection for those people most vulnerable to groups like this. Must we be subject to such salesmen in our town centres?