A church in Wolverhampton has been defending moving its Maundy Thursday service so it did not clash with a weekly drop-in session for sex workers.
The Daily Mail reported that the move had provoked outrage. All Saints Church is located in the red light district and the weekly sessions offer support and an opportunity for women in the industry to speak about their experiences.
The newspaper reported one worshipper said: "It's an outrage that one of the most important religious services in the Christian calendar has been moved for a group of prostitutes."
But Revd Sarah Schofield said the congregation voted not to move the session, adding: "We want a reliable, safe and loving place for women. It has had a real impact on the whole church here."
The Bishop of Wolverhampton agreed, Rt Revd Clive Gregory said: "It performs a very important service for vulnerable women and is exactly what Christian churches should be doing."
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Article by Hannah Tooley
Hannah Tooley is a multimedia journalist for Premier.
