Vicar slammed for putting kids' seats in Bedfordshire church

An unholy row has erupted over a rector's attempt to make her church more child-friendly.

Canon Lynda Klimas installed a small plastic table and chairs in the chapel area so small children could play with toys and books during services at Maulden’s St Mary the Virgin.

But the seemingly action has led to one irate parishioner making a formal complaint of misconduct against her.

Kevin Sims has taken his grievance to the Bishop of St Albans, the Rt Rev Alan Smith, who must now conduct a vdisciplinary hearing.

Mr Sims claims the Rev Klimas should not have been allowed to place the pint-sized furniture in the “historically sensitive and sacred” Lady Chapel.

And he alleges she made “false and misleading” statements to church hierarchy in order to get the permission.

He said: “I hope the Church authorities now wake up to the seriousness of what has taken place here and that appropriate disciplinary penalties and public censure will swiftly follow.”

He has severed his links with St Mary’s after 20 years of worship there and says at least four other parishioners feel the same.

But other members of the congregation have welcomed the child-friendly chapel area.

“I have never heard so much ridiculous fuss about a tiny little table and chairs. It’s lovely to see young children welcomed into the church and given a place to sit quietly and play,” said one.

The Rev Klimas, who was made an honorary Canon because of her contribution to the Church of England, said she was forbidden to comment about the grievance.

St Albans Diocese spokesman Arun Kataria told the T&C: “The complaint will be heard in accordance with standard procedure and will be confidential until the matter is concluded.”