John Rutter drawn into St Sepulchre's Without Newgate Church controversy

THE INTERNATIONALLY renowned composer of Christian choral music, John Rutter, has spoken out against the policy of St Sepulchre's Without Newgate Church, in Holborn who have said that due to an increasingly busy programme of worship and church activities it wouldn't allow choirs and orchestras to play non-Christian music. John Rutter said the decision meant the church had "betrayed" musicians, many of whom use it as a rehearsal and warm-up space for larger concerts including the Proms.

Dr Ian White from Victoria Baptist Church in Eastbourne told Premier Christian radio the musicians should respect the church's decision. He said, "I can understand their regret over this and I would hope that they would be able to appreciate that churches don't just exist as places to meet or to play music, that their fundamental purpose is to communicate a Christian Gospel that is going to hopefully change society."

At St Sepulchre's - which is now part of a network founded by evangelical church Holy Trinity Brompton - "music and musicians are at the heart" of its ministry, according to the church's website. It also states that "we believe that God loves music, and that he delights in how we use our gifts."