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England: A festival promoting religious tolerance has been cancelled because members of one religion objected to the presence of members of others. The Laxfield Festival of Tolerance honoured the life of a local Protestant executed during the reign of Queen Mary, and the legendary reaction of the villagers.
John Noyes, a Laxfield shoemaker, was burnt to death on 22 September 1557, one of 34 executed in the county for his religious beliefs.
Legend has it that almost all the villagers disagreed with his death sentence and tried to put out their fires to stop his execution.
The festival was started three years ago in a bid to remember the execution and spread the message of religious tolerance.
The message flew right over the heads of some, though.
One villager explained his opposition to the festival. He said:I felt there was a drift towards the darker side of things, such as people selling five-pointed stars and other symbols of witchcraft. It didn't uphold the values I see in life.
Just one sentence which demonstrates the need for the festival.
"Intolerant" villagers stop "tolerance" festival —The Daily Telegraph, 30th July 2008.
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Love Thy Neighbour
at 17:33. Last modified on July 30 2008 at 17:40.
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