The Daily Telegraph has reported that Erskineville's Anglican Church in Sydney's inner west will not allow Yoga classes after June 30. The daily has quoted two yoga teachers that have been told by the church officials that their agreements would not be renewed after July 1 if they continue teaching Yoga.
When SBS Hindi called the church office and enquired, the phone receiver refused to answer any question. When asked if it is true that the church would not allow teachers to teach yoga, the lady answering the phone said, "I will not comment. I will not say anything. I am hanging up now."
The Daily Telegraph report says, "YOGA classes are being banned in some Sydney church halls because the exercise practice may lead Christians to “worshipping false gods”.
And that is what making people, especially Hindus angry. Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism released a statement saying, “Hindus worldwide are upset over a Sydney Anglican Church in Australia reportedly associating yoga with “worshipping false gods”; and are seeking apology from the Anglican Communion.”
Yoga teacher Suresh, on the other hand finds such actions irrelevant. He is of the opinion that such things keep happening now and then but Yoga is not affected. He said, "I am teaching yoga for 12 years now. I have faced opposition from many people on many occasions. Nevertheless, the truth is that Yoga is flourishing across the world. 170 countries have accepted yoga. So let them say whatever they want because Yoga benefits people and they will keep coming to it."
