RESIDENTS have written to a social housing landlord to complain about the noise being made by members of a religious sect during their early morning prayers.
Learnard Radzokota and his Christian group the Friday Apostles, don white robes and regularly pray and chant in woodland behind a New Lodge estate at 5.30am.
However, some residents on the estate have complained to Mr Radzokota's landlord, Yorkshire Housing, about the disturbance being caused by the prayer ritual.
Learnard, of New Lodge Crescent, said most people wanted to understand more about the Friday Apostles when they were revealed as the mystery worshippers just a matter of weeks ago.
"However, others just wrote letters to Yorkshire Housing saying because of the praying in the wood, and at our house, we need to be removed from our accommodation," he said.
But Learnard - also known as Father Isaiah - said they have little choice but to pray outdoors as they do not have a building to worship in.
"We have been looking been looking for a place in Barnsley where we can congregate but we're struggling to get a permanent place," he said.
"As we don't have a permanent place of worship in Barnsley, we sometimes carry out our early morning prayers in the wilderness.
"In Africa, all our church members carry out their services in the open space, commonly called wilderness, because by praying in the wilderness we are close to nature and God."
Celia Cashman, of Yorkshire Housing, said it firmly supports the right of people to worship in the way they choose.
"However, it was brought to our attention that religious meetings hosted by Mr Radzokota, at his home, had been causing a level of noise which had affected his neighbours at various times of the day.
"We're keen to work with Mr Radzokota and his neighbours to find a compromise which suits both parties.
"We have been trying to help Mr Radzokota find a more suitable venue for his religious meetings, such as a local community centre or a nearby church hall."
