Portswood overrun with religions

Football fans heading to Portswood pubs today found an unexpected obstacle to negotiate as religious groups competed to recruit passers-by.

Notorious creation of sci-fi writer L. Ron Hubbard, the Church of Scientology had hired the function room of the Mitre to preach their message. Their advocates were waiting at the entrance to the Greene King owned establishment and greeting drinkers who probably didn’t expect a dose of Dianetics before the Liverpool and Manchester United match.

Further down Portswood Road, shiny-shoed Jehovah’s Witnesses were also trying to spread their beliefs, mostly to those headed to Sprinkles for a Sunday afternoon sundae. The group, best known for their ban on receiving blood transfusions, have their local Kingdom Hall on Shakespeare Avenue.

The area is no stranger to fringe religions, as it is also home to the Victory Centre, venue for faith-healing events, recently featuring American TV evangelist Steve Brock.

How do you feel about Portswood residents being the target of these groups? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, or in the comments.