Choir suspended over spite claims

A Somerset rector has suspended his choir amid claims of "unholy backbiting" in the ranks.

The choristers at St John's Church in Wellington said the Reverend Colin Randall had accused them of lacking in "Christian discipleship".

In notes of a meeting between the two, it is claimed some members had failed to make new recruits feel welcome.

Dismissed choirmaster Colin Drummond said: "I am very saddened." Mr Randall has declined to comment.

The meeting notes claim that Mr Randall said: "Several of those who joined the choir for the carol service, for example, were made to feel extremely unwelcome by a minority of existing choir members."

Mr Drummond added: "Less than a year ago, we had a large choir that was very well known for its outreach. Now there is nothing."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/somerset/6429481.stm