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Bishop warns 'steer clear'
By Joanna Crane
Bedfordshire Times 1st June 1990
THE Bishop of Bedford has slammed a secret Bedford-based religious sect.
The Rt Rev David Farmborough said The Panacea Society, which claims the writings of a 19th Century religious visionary provide the answers to all the world's problems, should come out into the open and talk to the public.
He said: "I have no confidence in such a weird sect. 1 advise people to steer clear."
The secret worldwide group, which to has its headquarters in Albany Road, believes a 19th Century domestic servant, Joanna Southcott, was the bride of Christ and the "Woman clothed in the Sun" from the Book of Revelations in the Bible.
Joanna, a farmer's daughter from to Devon, claimed that at the age of 64 she had an immaculate conception and was pregnant with the second Prince of Peace. Her followers, were delighted but she fell into a trance and later died of brain fever. A post mortem revealed that she was not pregnant.
A prolific writer, she wrote more than 60 books and made many predictions, most of which are said to be locked into a secret trunk. Her followers say that the world’s troubles se will continue until all the Anglican Bishops come together and witness the opening of the box.
One prediction is that the world will end in the year 2000, although England will be spared.
During her lifetime Joanna had tens of thousands of followers who bombarded the clergy with demands to take her writings seriously.
But today just a few elderly members work from the premises in Albany Road, say neighbours.
The society refused to comment on its activities even though it is now launching a new advertising campaign to attract members.
An advert in a national newspaper last weekend read: "Crime and Banditry Distress of Nations and Perplexity will continue until the Bishops or their representatives open Joanna Southcott's Box of sealed writings."
Mr Farmborough warned people against believing that all the answers were somehow contained in a 'Pandora's Box.' He said: "The answer to the world's ills is in turning to a commitment with God. There is no secret panacea to answer all problems."
"The only clear route is through Christ."
Page last updated: 22nd January 2014