'We are not saying that yoga is bad or wrong.'
Yoga enthusiasts criticised Father Chandler's stance as 'ignorant' and even urged the priest to try a session.
Pierre Bibby, of the charity British Wheel of Yoga, said: 'Research demonstrates yoga improves people's health and wellbeing physically and mentally. Who could object to that?'
A spokesman for the local Diocese of Portsmouth said in 17 years it was the first time he had been asked to comment on a yoga ban but it was up to individual priests.
