Hallowe'en has become associated with the occult and should be reclaimed by Christians and even renamed "Lite-Nite", a Church of England bishop says.
The Bishop of Bolton, the Rt Rev David Gillett, says that Hallowe'en was not originally an occult celebration but has picked up "dangerous" traits over the centuries.
He also criticises the practice of trick or treat, in which children knock on neighbours' doors and threaten to play practical jokes unless they are rewarded. In an article in Crux, the Manchester diocesan magazine, he says that many people worry about intimidation and violence when they open their doors.
His comments follow growing concern among some Christians that Hallowe'en is promoting an unhealthy fascination with devil worship and encouraging children to wander the streets at night. Some schools have banned parties to mark the festival, traditionally held on Oct 31....