by Kate Hughes

A PASTOR has blasted the celebration of Halloween saying concentrating on 'evil' can "bring fear to impressionable young minds."

Reverend Neil Bennett, of Catshill Baptist Church, said: "Halloween is seen as just harmless fun and it is thought that demons and ghosts don't exist and that witchcraft and occult practices are just superstitious nonsense.

"Whether real or imaginary these things are symbols of evil."

He added: "For some it is upsetting and causes nightmares. Trick or treating can breed vindictive attitudes and lead not just to childish pranks as 'tricks', but vandalism and even violence."

Now the Milton Road church is holding The Amazing Light Party on Sunday, October 31, but the children are told to wear something light and bright and not Halloween costume.

Rev Bennett has called it a Christian alternative to Halloween with a children's entertainer and refreshments.

Bromsgrove's shops have been full of Halloween cards, outfits and toys and Halloween parties have been growing in popularity.

Janice Smith, who runs the Tom Tom Club in Blackwell, and held a Halloween party this week, said: "We actually call it Pumpkin Week instead of Halloween to avoid scaring the youngsters.

"The children did dress up in some horrifying clothes but it was all fun and none of the parents minded."

In last week's Advertiser/Messenger we showed the results of a pumpkin-carving workshop in Burcot.

Organiser Tim Ratcliffe said: "I think the Reverend has got a point, particularly about trick or treating, but I think most people just see it as a bit of fun."

He added: "As for whether it is frightening for children I think some cartoons such as Casper the Ghost could be much more frightening.

"I think it is a bit hypocritical when you think of gargoyles on churches, which could be seen as very scary.

"With our pumpkin carving workshop we were getting the children off the streets and encouraiing them to be creative."

Tim added: "Our Halloween light-up throughout Burcot on Sunday will be more fun than demonic."

The light-up starts at 7pm-8pm.

lHalloween! Harmless fun or something more sinister? Let's have your views. Drop us a line by post or e-mail.