An Alliance & Leicester customer has been refused a business current account because their local Church of England rector was not suitable as a verifying person.
Known only as 'FT' from Swindon, the customer wrote to The Guardian newspaper to reveal the decision, and to ask which ministers of religion are acceptable to act as a verifying person for banks.
FT said: "I have been trying to open a business current account at Alliance & Leicester. To prove my identity, I took the bits to sign to the local Church of England rector.
"Alliance & Leicester's customer adviser wrote back that a rector was not acceptable as a verifying person. Which ministers of religion are suitable?"
Alliance & Leicester quickly admitted its mistake when the newspaper stepped in, saying it was embarrassed by the whole incident, and even offered to send a food hamper to the customer to apologise.
After speaking to representatives at the bank, The Guardian told FT: "Your letter caused great embarrassment at Alliance & Leicester, which insists that all are welcome and there is no set list of recognised religions and ministers. Someone has apologised to you profusely by phone and sent a food hamper to say sorry."
-
Evangelical vicar accused of abuse won't stand trial
-
Christians protest LGBT nativity play where Jesus is 'King of the Gays'
-
Sarah Mullally reiterates apology as safeguarding record comes under the spotlight
-
The mystery of the Wise Men
-
The origins of ‘traditional’ Christmas celebrations
-
Pro-life campaigner who silently prayed in abortion clinic buffer zone criminally charged
Most Popular
News
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches
Every Christmas, people sing the song “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”. Unlike many other songs and carols that include elements of non-biblical tradition and myth, this song is pure Scripture. It was the first Christmas song authorised to be sung in the Church of England. This is the story …
The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914
On Christmas Eve in 1914, many men were in the trenches fighting the war, but the spirit of Christmas halted the conflict for a brief period. This is the story …
Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land
Jerusalem Church leaders have released a report detailing the struggles and challenges currently faced be Christians living in the Holy Land.
Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?
For you who have been followers of Jesus Christ for a long time, maybe the pain and suffering of this world and the darkness you have had to live through this past year has gotten you down to the point of complete and utter discouragement. But all is not lost.