Rawmarsh church bans 'paranormal investigators' from graveyard meet

Paranormal-X PXTV based in Rotherham had planned to search for unexplained activity at St Mary’s Church in Rawmarsh last Saturday, but had to change their venue after a notice appeared on site.  

The sign from the parochial church council said it had come to their attention that “an unauthorised event” had been planned to take place in the churchyard.

It continued: “The PCC wishes to clearly state that this is a Christian burial site and the planned event is in direct contradiction to Christian doctrine as understood by the Church of England.

“Paranormal-X have no permission to gather in these grounds for the planned purpose, and should the event go ahread the organisers may be subject to legal proceedings.”

Mark Smith, founder of the Paranormal-X PXTV team, said the group had “performed hundreds of thousands of paranormal investigations in many locations around the UK, including a number of graveyards and cemeteries, and have never once been approached by the church”.

Mr Smith confirmed that the St Mary’s “investigation” had been scrapped and the group had visited another location instead, going on to have “a great night” despite the change of venue.

He added: “If I am ever in the area of St Mary’s graveyard in the future and something I believe of a supernatural nature occurs to me or my team, I will endeavour to find out what has caused the phenomena.”

St Mary’s Church was contacted, but did not wish to comment.