IT would be a sad day for St Ebbe’s church, as well as for the performers, if The Lodge lap dancing club was closed because of objections on moral grounds from some members of the congregation (Licence bid is pole axed, Oxford Mail, March 4).
When the club was first proposed, one church official said the performers would be welcome to attend the church.
What has changed? If the club remains open, one of the clergy could offer their services as chaplain with members of the congregation befriending the performers.
It may not be likely, but the possibility of the dancers attending a church (perhaps some of them already do), while continuing in their present occupation should not be ruled out. Or does their occupation stigmatise them as being beyond the pale?
As individuals they are probably morally no worse then many others.
If what is done there is so wicked, churchgoers should be best able to resist the temptations of the club. After all, the performances take place within its four walls, not in the streets.
Robert Sephton Kennington
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