Library card protest over witchcraft

A Christian minister in Carterton, New Zealand, is objecting to a Masonic Lodge being used for a temporary library because he considers it connected to witchcraft. John Cromarty and his wife Marilyn, of St David's Church, are handing in their library cards and are asking all their friends not to visit the lodge, which is housing the town's books while the $6 million events centre is built.

In a letter to Carterton Mayor Gary McPhee, which was distributed at yesterday's Carterton council meeting, Mr Cromarty warns that any decision to enter the premises is "not wise". "Freemasonry, while it does good works in the community, is based upon the worship of pagan gods," Mr Cromarty wrote. While it portrays a facade as being compatible to Christianity in its teaching, it has its foundation rooted in witchcraft and pre-Christian teachings and practice."



Mr Cromarty suggested alternatives, such as an empty building on High St, Carterton, or the Wai Art Centre. The couple are leaving at the end of the year but have taken the decision to hand their library cards in now to make a stand.

Warwick Cashmore, a past master and a Freemason of the lodge, said he was saddened by Mr Cromarty's comments. "I'm extremely disappointed he's taken this attitude. The basic tenants of freemasonry are brotherly love, relief, and truth. He should examine his own religion and see there are some very big connections to paganism there. Christmas and Easter both derive from pagan rituals," Mr Cashmore said.