Pastor Glass loses cancer fight

Pastor Jack Glass was diagnosed with lung cancer

One of Scotland's most controversial religious figures, Pastor Jack Glass, has died at the age of 67.

The founder of the Zion Baptist Church in the south side of Glasgow had been diagnosed with lung cancer.

In a recent BBC Scotland documentary he described his belief that the tumour was a personal attack by Satan.

His high-profile campaigns included efforts to stop the Pope's 1982 visit to Scotland and protests against what he called Billy Connolly's "blasphemy".

His more recent campaigns have been against the likes of musician Marilyn Manson.

Pastor Glass was diagnosed with lung cancer in January 2003.

John McDermott, an elder at the church on the south side of Glasgow, said the pastor "went peacefully and was not in any pain."

He added: "He was a lovely man who made a big impression on many lives and brought a number of people into contact with Jesus."

Pastor Glass founded his church, which is on the corner of Calder Street and Polmadie Street, in 1967. It has about 130 members.

He hit the headlines after organising a protest to coincide with the Papal visit to Scotland, which he argued violated the British Bill of Rights.

Pastor Glass also picketed Billy Connolly's shows after he was angered by one of the comedian's sketches based on the crucifixion.

An angry pastor was reported to have said: "If the Forth was lava, I would throw him in."

Pastor Glass is survived by his wife Peggy, 66, two daughters and a son.