A historic London church is facing a boycott after a priest suspended its professional choir.
The choristers found out their services were no longer required when they arrived to sing Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St Simon Stock in Kensington, according to the Roman Catholic newspaper The Tablet.
They claim Father Anthony Parsons initially gave no reason for his decision but later told them he needed “time to think”.
It is understood a number of parishioners have boycotted the church and stopped their regular payments since the eight-part ensemble was suspended in April. A spokesman for the choir, who did not want to be named, said: “Everyone is in the dark and the only person who knows what is going on is Father Tony. It appears he doesn’t want to discuss it with anyone.”
A spokeswoman for the board of trustees confirmed the choir had been dismissed but insisted she did not know why. She added: “We are hoping it is coming back again as it is a wonderful tradition.”
The church is run by the Discalced Carmelites. Father Anthony declined to comment.