So, they plan to open a ‘adult entertainment’ venue in the middle of Wandsworth. We found out about three weeks ago, and so the past three weeks have passed in a flurry of letter writing, prayerwalks around the proposed venue, networking and dropping the proposal into every possible conversation.
On Sunday we had a bank of laptops set up so people could write letters opposing the plans and we could send them en masse to the council.
Last week the SA’s reseach and development unit sent us loads of facts and figures showing that clubs of this nature can increase crime, disorder and human trafficking. Not things we want to see increasing in Wandsworth!!
We also had an MP and a councillor join us as we prayerwalked outside. It was great to partner with the authorities in fighting this thing.
Today I was riding on a bus and I saw some billboards for the local paper. In big capital letters I saw, “SALVATION ARMY PRAYS FOR LAPDANCERS.” It struck me as a funny headline, but it did make me think that all the letter writing and protesting is good, but if the club does open I feel we have to take a different tack. It is not enough to simply say “We don’t want this place”, we need to act. And I don’t mean in a standing outside shouting at those who enter, I mean going inside, meeting the people who use the club and providing chapliancy to the girls etc.
Social Justice is one of the fundamental elements that make up the Boiler Room, and I am uncertain how much justice will go on in a place like this. But I know it is not enough just to pray and protest… it is vital to act too.
You can read the newspaper article here: http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/search/display.var.1863830.0.salvation_army_prays_to_stop_lap_dancing_club.php
