TODAY we report a disturbing case in which a 15-year-old girl was recruited off the street by Mormons and persuaded to attend religious meetings, including a partially-clothed baptism.

Angela Theaker was taken in by the Mormons who have been "recruiting" in the area where she lives.

A number of other youngsters have also been approached by the American-based religious group.

Angela admits that she was attracted by the smooth-talking Mormons' "nice suits and lovely American accents".

Once involved, she was asked highly personal questions about her sex life and told not to drink tea or coffee as these contained drugs.

She was also made to strip down to her underwear and baptised in a white gown.

Another 14-year-old girl claims she was told by the group that if she ever left she would go to hell.

Any parents reading these events will be absolutely horrified by them. Angela's Catholic parents were furious - with good reason - at the fact that the Mormons made no attempt to inform them what was going on.

A spokesman for the religious group said Angela looked "at least 16" but admitted that they did not ask for any proof of age.

While we accept that the Mormons are a bona fide organisation and not a freakish religious cult, we are disgusted at their tactics.

Almost every day the media is full of reports of impressionable youngsters being whisked off the streets by evil perverts. How difficult would it be for someone to impersonate a Mormon, or some other religious body, in this way?

The Mormons should not be approaching youngsters in the streets and persuading them to come to meetings behind their parents' backs.

They should now take a long hard look at their "recruitment" policies and put their own house in order before they start to preach to others.

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