Row Breaks Out Over Church-Themed Pub In India

A bar in Mumbai which put up stained glass windows and other Christian-themed items is proving controversial – even after they were removed.

The Goregaon Social pub said, "We had called it church of anti-consumerism and the idea was to move towards the spiritual side."

Some Christians locally were offended by the contents of the bar, which included Bible verses inscribed on tables, figures of Moses and Mary and even a tabanacle containing spirits.

A petition was organised and received five thousand signatures before the items were removed.

Now an organisation which says it speaks for local believers says it wants further action taken against the owners of the pub.

"The fact that the offensive stained glass paintings and other material were taken down means that there was violation. We are pursuing the case with the police," said Godfrey Pimenta of the Watchdog Foundation.

India has a significant Christian community, although it is small in comparison with the number of Hindus and Muslims. The faith is thought to have been present in India since at least the sixth century.

In parts of the country Christians have been persecuted in recent years, but the large metropolis of Mumbai hasn't seen heavy discrimination of that kind.

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