http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/bromley/8881235.CRYSTAL_PALACE__Cinema_campaigners_suspicious_of_church_s_plan/

CAMPAIGNERS who want to see a former bingo hall become a cinema fear its owners are bringing religion through the back door.

Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) was refused permission to turn the former Rialto building in Church Road, Crystal Palace, into a place of worship by Bromley Council in December 2009.

In June last year the centre said it would not appeal the council’s decision but as it prepares to open its doors later this year, there are still fears about what will go on inside.

Picture Palace Campaign, which wanted the building turned into a cinema, says the KICC has been reluctant to meet to discuss its plans.

And it believes this may be a back door to using the building for exclusively religious purposes.

Its chairman Annabel Sidney said: “There is an emerging view that once 25 Church Road is put into active use by KICC it will be lost to local people along with its potential to positively contribute to the regeneration of Church Road and the district centre.”

But the centre maintains it still plans to use the building to show family friendly films and allow the hall to be used by community groups, along with a bookshop and a coffee shop.

The centre's chief operating officer James McGlashan said: “The building has got planning permission for D2 use and D2 use is not for church services.

“We want to keep it as a large hall for community use.

He added: “It will supply a different sort of niche.”

Goes to show that in Nigeria where it is the norm for churches to spring up anywhere, the same cannot be done in the developed world without due process.

^^^^^yep

I laugh at some Christians ! many church buildings have been converted to mosques in Uk. Some other church buildings were converted to museum, night clubs etc. And you find children of God who should be engaged in e angelising and christianising the world kicking against church converting a hall for worship.
ON WHOS SIDE ARE YOU GUYS?

Posted by: Joagbaje I laugh at some Christians ! many church buildings have been converted to mosques in Uk. Some other church buildings were converted to museum, night clubs etc. And you find children of God who should be engaged in e angelising and christianising the world kicking against church converting a hall for worship. ON WHOS SIDE ARE YOU GUYS?

@Jo,
I think u are missing the point. Let me tell you why " the world is kicking against church converting a hall for worship."

The KICC building is based in London. Cars parks are overflowing during the week and Sundays, spreading to other car parks in a derelict industrial estate. Accomodating 12000 church members in an area week in, week out is one thing the local population cannot accomodate. The Redeem Church in Nigeria are getting away with murder. Let them try it in the UK, all their weekly contributions will go on compensating the local population and NO WIN, NO FEE lawyers will have a Bonanza.

Secondly, To me KICC is a profit making orgainisation hidding under the banner of "charity commission", which in itself is fraudulent and dishonest. In 2008, they made a carefully drummed up profit of £5 million. How much went to the local community. What project do they have on ground for the local community in which they operate. I am sure ASHIMOLOWO does not have a clue.

If the community are concerned that the presence of the KICC in Crystal Palace could, for instance, damage the local economy or create unwelcome distractions and overcrowding, haven't they got a point? I think they do.