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Spiritual Concerns Mean Yoga Change at Local College

By Brian Hagen/Associated Press

04/13/2017

(MSC News)--Atchison's Benedictine College plans to rename its yoga classes and change the content to ensure they focus only on physical exercise and not spiritual or cultural elements.

Officials at the private Catholic College say the college will rework its yoga classes after this semester is over.

The campus newspaper, The Circuit, first reported on the change, saying it comes after concerns were raised by students, alumni and faculty.

Catholic church leaders have cautioned Catholics for years to avoid the spiritual aspects of yoga because they contend the Hindu-based practice conflicts with church teachings.

The Rev. John Riley, chancellor of the Archdiocese or Kansas City in Kansas, said Catholics are encouraged to look for exercise routines that don't include a spiritual dimension.

An online petition, opposed to the action of the college, has been started. Begun by a user identified as "Concerned student body," the petition is seeking 500 signatures, and is planend to be delivered to college President Steve Minnis.

The Associated Press, The Wichita Eagle, and The Circuit all contributed to this story.

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