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Priest gets postcard death threat | Priest gets postcard death threat |
(about 5 hours later) | |
A woman priest has found a death threat written on a postcard which was hidden in her bible in church. | A woman priest has found a death threat written on a postcard which was hidden in her bible in church. |
Police are investigating the incident, the latest in an apparent hate campaign against the Reverend Yvonne Hobson in the Cornish parish of Paul. | Police are investigating the incident, the latest in an apparent hate campaign against the Reverend Yvonne Hobson in the Cornish parish of Paul. |
Last year the 54-year-old had letters, expressing anger that she was a clergywoman, sent to her home and a lit candle thrown into her car. | Last year the 54-year-old had letters, expressing anger that she was a clergywoman, sent to her home and a lit candle thrown into her car. |
She has said she does not want to lead services again until someone is caught. | She has said she does not want to lead services again until someone is caught. |
Ms Hobson found the postcard at the 15th Century church, near Newlyn, on 14 September. | |
It is appalling that someone who would claim to be a Christian could think they have a moral right to do this Martin Andrewartha, parishioner | It is appalling that someone who would claim to be a Christian could think they have a moral right to do this Martin Andrewartha, parishioner |
Jeremy Dowling, spokesman for the Diocese of Truro, said: "It fell out of the bible, which was regularly used by her and was known always to be on her stall in church." | Jeremy Dowling, spokesman for the Diocese of Truro, said: "It fell out of the bible, which was regularly used by her and was known always to be on her stall in church." |
Devon and Cornwall police have not disclosed the contents of the note, which has been sent for forensic examination for DNA and fingerprints. | Devon and Cornwall police have not disclosed the contents of the note, which has been sent for forensic examination for DNA and fingerprints. |
It is understood to warn Ms Hobson that she would die unless she left the church. | |
The Bishop of St Germans, The Rt Rev Roy Screech, said: "The diocese is offering its full support to the parish of Paul, following the discovery of a further threatening note aimed at one of the clergy. | The Bishop of St Germans, The Rt Rev Roy Screech, said: "The diocese is offering its full support to the parish of Paul, following the discovery of a further threatening note aimed at one of the clergy. |
"The police are continuing their investigation, and I hope local people will pray for all concerned." | "The police are continuing their investigation, and I hope local people will pray for all concerned." |
'Warped' faith | 'Warped' faith |
Parishioner Martin Andrewartha, said: "It is appalling that somebody who would claim to be a Christian could take such a warped and perverted view of their faith and think they have a moral right to do this." | Parishioner Martin Andrewartha, said: "It is appalling that somebody who would claim to be a Christian could take such a warped and perverted view of their faith and think they have a moral right to do this." |
Ms Hobson started work as a curate at Paul parish church in 2006. | |
The intimidation against her began when she began leading services after the retirement of the previous parish priest, Gordon Hansford. | The intimidation against her began when she began leading services after the retirement of the previous parish priest, Gordon Hansford. |
Last year she was sent a series of hate letters and a burning candle was forced through the open window of her car. | Last year she was sent a series of hate letters and a burning candle was forced through the open window of her car. |
Another candle was left burning in the porch of her house, causing logs stored there to ignite. | Another candle was left burning in the porch of her house, causing logs stored there to ignite. |
Ms Hobson decided to take break from her duties and the Rev Tim Heaney was appointed to the church in June. | |
He said: "I totally condemn the actions of the person responsible but we are not going to let it stop us carrying on as normal." | He said: "I totally condemn the actions of the person responsible but we are not going to let it stop us carrying on as normal." |