LONDON, May 14 Church officials are objecting to a demand by the British government that "no smoking" signs be posted outside churches and cathedrals. A spokesman for the Association of English Cathedrals, the Very Rev. Colin Slee -- who also serves as Dean of Southwark -- said the rules are completely unnecessary, The Telegraph reported Monday."One is bound to ask, when did you last hear of somebody smoking in church?" Slee asked the newspaper. Slee said stewards are well trained to handle members of the public who fail to conform to the church's indoor standards, including "the modern custom of men wearing hats indoors, people wanting to bring their pets in or even wanting to eat their ice cream cones." A spokesman for the Department of Health said the government hopes to work out a solution with religious leaders. A July 1 deadline was set for the signs to be posted.Copyright 2007 by UPI
