Publicity stunt offends Christians

CHURCH leaders have condemned a nightclub flyer that shows Jesus crowd-surfing while nailed to the cross.

The advert, for an Ipswich nightclub has been circulated around the town and in Bury St Edmunds to promote Easter events at the club.

Rector Paul Hardingham, of St Matthews Church, Ipswich, said: "I think Christians will find it particularly offensive.

"The resurrection is an important occasion for us to celebrate and we would object to anything that reduces it to a cheap publicity trick. I expect this is riding on the back of the recent Mel Gibson film - The Passion of Christ."

Robin Spittle, vicar of All Saints Church, Kesgrave, added: "Jesus was willing to be rejected at Easter and part of that was by the mocking and misunderstanding of who he was.

"It is sad that people would take a cheap shot by using somebody who means a lot to many as a way to sell their product."

But Nick Clarke of the diocese of Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds, backed the flyer.

He said: "Many young Christians will enjoy the joke. One of God's greatest gifts is the sense of humour, although some people might find the subject material questionable.

"Easter is a time of great celebration because of the joyous message it represents."

Kerpal Bains, owner of the nightclub, said: "We felt the flyer was light hearted and certainly didn't intend to offend anyone.

"If we have offended anyone all I can do is apologise. More than 1,200 people attended one of the events last Monday and enjoyed themselves without taking offense."

Do you think the flyer is offensive? Is it an unsuitable way to publicise a nightclub event or just a lighthearted joke? Write in to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk or visit the forum at www.eveningstar.co.uk