NHS Tayside has warned against a group of churchgoers who claim they can cure cancer by laying hands on people in Dundee city centre.
The council has given the go-ahead to Christians from Gate Church International to offer “healing on the streets”. The fortnightly sessions see the Perth Road church arrange seating in the Murraygate where sick people are prayed over.
Shoppers are encouraged to stop by enthusiastic ‘healers’ handing out leaflets which claim that the laying of hands can cure everything from tumours to multiple sclerosis.
The church offers “full training” to potential ‘healers’ who want to join the team.
The flyer reads: “Do you suffer from back pain, arthritis, MS, addiction, cancer, ulcers, depression, allergies, fibromyalgia, asthma, paralysis, crippling disease, phobias or any other sickness?
“We’d love to pray for your healing right now! We’re Christians from Gate Church International. We believe God loves you and can heal you from any sickness today.”
Civil servant Alan Hinnrichs, 35, who describes himself as a “non-believer” was offered healing on Sunday.
He said: “The implication is that, if you’re suffering from these things, all you need is healing. It’s a bit disingenuous and can be quite dangerous because people might stop taking medication.
“I’m not saying people don’t have the right to believe what they want, but they don’t have the right to be misleading and giving people false hope. It’s potentially life threatening.”
NHS Tayside urged people with medical conditions to go directly to their GP for diagnosis and treatment. The health board also urged people to continue taking prescribed medication.
A senior spokeswoman warned: “If you have been prescribed medication or are undergoing any treatment for an ailment or condition, continue with this as advised by the healthcare professional.”
Academics at Dundee University said believers can experience an improvement in their condition following prayer.
A spokesman for the institution’s faculty of psychology said: “There is considerable scientific literature indicating that a beneficial placebo effect can occur among people partaking in group activities, including praying or faith-based activities but also those with no religious basis.”
NHS Tayside would not speculate on the potential placebo effect. A senior spokeswoman said clinicians feel “it is just not appropriate for them”.
A spokesman for Gate Church International insisted that God is responsible for curing ailments following prayer.
He said: “We believe that God has the ability to heal any disease or illness and we’re happy to pray for people on that basis.
“There are some organisations that claim miracles and we believe it’s possible.”
The spokesman added that they have permission from the council to carry out “healing on the streets”.
A spokesman for Dundee City Council confirmed the arrangement and indicated that council officials issue approval on a fortnightly basis “if there are no objections”.
The church’s spokesman added: “We’d welcome anyone to come along who wants to know more.”