Halifax-based Brunswick Centre has found itself a victim of the Catholic Church, according to an article in the Huddersfield Daily Examiner (April 24th).

The Brunswick Centre runs a number of gay men’s support groups in the area - one of which, offering holistic massage and ear acupuncture, was held at St Patrick’s Catholic Community Centre every Tuesday. The building was let by the Catholic Church to an organisation called Cultures United who, in turn, let it out to The Brunswick Centre.

John McKernaghan, Brunswick Centre Manager, told the paper: ‘We have been asked not to use the premises any more. That has come from the Catholic Church. Many of the men who use our service are vulnerable and have health and social care needs.... We are now looking for somewhere else in the town centre. Cultures United have been really helpful... they have been tremendous in helping us in the meantime.’

A spokesman from the Leeds Catholic Diocese said that Cultures United had told him that they needed the use of the room and had terminated The Brunswick Centre’s contract for that reason.

The paper says that he said the letting of the room was Cultures United’s concern and had nothing to do with the church. Cultures United refused to comment.