"TRANCE" GROUP THROWN OUT OF CHURCHYARD

UP to 40 people were evicted from Bishopstone churchyard after they upset families of those buried there by meditating on graves.

The group, from the Hoffman Institute, based at Florence House in Southdown Road, Seaford, were found in a trance-like state at St Andrew s churchyard by the vicar, Father John Lloyd-James, last week.

He said: Over the last two years they have appeared in the churchyard, 40 at a time, squatting in front of graves, almost switching themselves off.

Father John explained how two years ago he was approached by a woman from the Hoffman Institute who asked if a prayer group could use the church to meditate. As he was given no reason to believe graves would play a part in the meditation, or that churchgoers would be inconvenienced, he agreed.

However, as time went by people complained the group was taking over the graveyard and behaving in an odd manner. Single red and white carnations were also laid on graves.

Father John said: They claim they are doing no harm, but harm was being done by taking over the churchyard in a sinister fashion.

The people whose family graves are there did not like it. It offended them. These are family graves that go back for centuries.

The group, all smartly dressed men and women, aged from 30 to 60, with expensive cars, were asked to leave by Father John. He reported the incident to the police.

As the incumbent and custodian of the church they were trespassing on my property. This has just upset the community and if anything upsets the community is upsets me.

The vicar was also concerned the church was being used for commercial gain. The graveyard group were taking part in an eight-day, residential programme called the Hoffman Quadrinity Process at a cost of 1,575 each.

The programme claims to resolve problems surrounding the core issues of life including self esteem, relationship and forgiveness.

The Hoffman Institute website states: The process has been found highly effective as both an educational and healing programme.

Participants speak of a new found energy by overcoming depression, anger and grief, better communication skills, and a deeper spiritual connection.

It was established 30 years ago in the USA and is based in 14 countries. Exponents include Apollo 14 astronaut Edgar Mitchell and the author of the Art of Sexual Ecstasy, Margo Anand.

Nikki Wyatt, from the Hoffman Institute, said she appreciated the group s actions could upset some people.

We would sincerely apologise for any offence, if we have caused any offence. We had permission from the vicar of the church to carry out the work and this was the first time we had heard of this problem.

What we stand for is peace, understanding and love in the world. That is why we would not wished to have caused any offence.

The institute has agreed not to return to the graveyard.

Sgt Roger Fry, from Seaford Police Station, said: I was concerned that permission to use the churchyard had been gained through giving a false representation of what was going to occur.

It was distressing and disturbing to the families and next of kin of the deceased for graves to be used in this way.