Canadian Police Close Sikh Temple

Police in Vancouver closed one of Canada’s largest Sikh temples Sunday, fearing a clash between moderate and conservative factions.

Vancouver Police Chief Bruce Chambers said the officers acted after failing to mediate a long-running religious dispute at the temple.

It centers on an edict from the religion’s ruling body in India to remove dining hall tables and chairs, which conservatives consider an improper addition to a temple. Leaders of several Sikh temples across British Columbia have refused to comply with the order.

Six high-ranking Canadian Sikh leaders--including the priest, president and secretary of the Vancouver temple--have been excommunicated for failing to appear in India to defend their decision.