Church Members to Quit Goldfish Swallowing

FLORENCE, Ala. (AP) Oct. 28, 2005 -- The First Assembly of God Church has agreed to discontinue its practice of swallowing live goldfish as part of its Fear Factor ministry.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has asked for a ban on the practice. Youth minister Anthony Martin said earlier the goal of the exercise was to teach teens about fear.

"I do appreciate your concern and just wanted to let you know that this will never happen again," Pastor Greg Woodall replied to PETA in a letter. "My views are a reflection of yours. We love God's creatures and would never want to show them harm."

As part of the Fear Factor ministry at the church, teenage participants were asked to swallow live goldfish. No one reportedly became ill during the goldfish phase of the program.

PETA thanked the church for the ban by sending a gift basket of vegan Swedish fish, a gummy candy, as an alternative to live fish.

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