Comments from Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz, who used to lead the diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska, were published last week on a US blog for women.

" ... The practice of yoga, if it does not begin that way, eventually morphs into an acceptance of points of view, and even doctrinal and moral matters that are distant from Catholic truth and from genuine and authentic Christian revelation," Bishop Bruskewitz wrote.

He suggested that there are other forms of exercise that do not present dangers to the faith.

A 2003 document from the Pontifical Councils for Culture and for Interreligious Dialogue stated that people could discern whether New Age spiritual practices are permissible - "provided [it] is severable from the religion or philosophy that first motivated it".

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