Church takes down poster implying non-believers would burn in hell after ONE complaint #BringBackOurGirls #FutureGroupNG via @myentertain9jar

A CHURCH was forced to take down a sign after police were called to investigate the poster that implied non-Christians would burn in hell.

Church removes sign implying non-Christians will burn in hell after one complaint[Archant]

A CHURCH was forced to take down a sign after police were called to investigate the poster that implied non-Christians would burn in hell.
Surrounded by fiery flames, the message outside the Baptist church in Attleborough, Norfolk, read: "If you think there is no God, you'd better be right".
The church's pastor John Rose agreed to remove the sign, after officers told him that it had caused offence - though only ONE complaint had been received.
The action was taken after 20-year-old Robert Gladwin, who lives close to the church, voiced his anger at the message.
He said: "We live in the 21st century and they have put that message - that non-Christians will burn in hell - up to try and scare people into joining their mentality."
Justifying the dramatic action that he took, Mr Gladwin added: "It is my basic understanding that Christianity is inclusive and loving in nature.
"The message being displayed outside of the church could not be further from the often uttered phrase 'love thy neighbour'."
A spokesman for Norfolk Police said that the episode had been recorded as a hate incident.
"Having spoken to the pastor of the church, it has been agreed the poster will be taken down," he said.
The astonishing furore has sparked concerns about freedom of speech.

Robert Gladwin complained to police about the sign [Archant]

Terry Sanders, president of the National Secular Society, defended the church.
He said: "Personally I don't find it offensive.
"But we did fight a long battle of freedom of speech together with Christian groups because we believe that freedom of speech is essential to a functioning society.
"If you don't give free speech to everybody then it isn't free speech and as long as they aren't inciting violence then I think it is acceptable to say whatever you want to say."
In addition to the contentious poster, the noticeboard lists a series of upcoming church and community events and promises that visitors will always receive a warm welcome.
The Rev Simon Ward, of the Diocese of Norwich, said: "I guess they are trying to open a conversation and cause people to think.
"However, I think there are more positive conversations that you could have and more positive reasons for coming to church."
Paul Hobson, spokesman for The Baptist Union of Great Britain which represents 2,000 Baptist churches, said: "Our churches operate as independent bodies. We don't issue posters to them and it is generally up to them what they put up."