Author: Bess Twiston
Davies
Publication: The Daily
Telegraph (London)
Date: June 8, 2000
The Church of England
has urged Christians to question the use of popular healing therapies such
as reiki, shiatsu massage, and yoga.
A Time to Heal, a report
published today, warns believers to avoid sources of healing which "may
be likely to distract from or undermine a person's faith in Christ".
Christians are explicitly
advised to shun reiki, a Tibetan Buddhist system of "energy" healing.
"The source of energy
is not clearly defined, but the system is claimed to be holistic, leading
to progress in one's spiritual life," the report says.
It also appeals for Christians
to think carefully before using relaxation techniques such as yoga, which
is derived from Hinduism, and the massage technique shiatsu, based on Shintoism.
The report also alleges
that the philosophies behind many healing techniques clash with Christianity.
Paul Harris, a spokesman
for the Evangelical Alliance, said yesterday "Some healing techniques appeal
to forces outside God and so a Christian should nut them. I would suggest
it would be better to appeal to God in prayer "
The General Synod's House
of Bishops will consider the report and its recommendations are likely
to be discussed at the next General Synod in July.
