Community Corner

New London Committee Cuts Ties With Religious Group's Ship

The Connecticut Maritime Heritage Festival has rescinded an invitation to a ship due to its connection with a controversial religious group.

(Patch graphic)

NEW LONDON, CT — The board running the Connecticut Maritime Heritage Festival has withdrawn an invitation to a ship due to its connection with a controversial religious group, according to The New London Day. The 150-foot Peacemaker arrived at City Pier two weeks ago and was slated to stay until the event Sept. 11 and 12 at New London Waterfront Park.

However, after festival officials learned more about Twelve Tribes, the religious group that operates the the ship, they became concerned. The group has been labeled by the Southern Poverty Law Center as a Christian fundamentalist cult, though group leaders reject that characterization.

The board running the Maritime Heritage Festival then voted in favor of withdrawing the offer to pay for the boat's dockage and electrical fees.

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Read the full story in The New London Day.

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