'He said my beliefs were a load of rubbish – it's insulting'

THE owner of a new crystal shop in Northumberland has described how she was left feeling “intimidated” after the local vicar questioned her beliefs and accused her of spreading them among the townsfolk.

- JAMES ROBINSON

Chloe Cavanagh owns Spirit Rocks Crystal shop in Prudhoe

Chloe Cavanagh recently opened Spirit Rocks in Prudhoe, and was left shocked by the encounter with the Rev Daniel Freyhan.

Mr Freyhan has been in post at St Mary Magdalene Church since 2017. The Diocese of Newcastle has confirmed it has been in touch with both the vicar and Miss Cavanagh over the incident after the latter raised a complaint.

Speaking to The Journal, Miss Cavanagh said: “I got to the shop at about five to ten on the Wednesday, and the vicar was waiting outside. He followed me inside the shop before it was even open - I was still turning the lights on.

“He said he wanted to talk about some concerns he had and that people in the church were worried about how the local crystal shop is going to affect the town. He said they were worried I would push my spiritual beliefs on to the community.