- Joined
- Aug 18, 2002
- Messages
- 19,407
Just a genral thread for when the religious types get their panties in a bunch over something like this example of alleged abuse of the Wigwam:
link
'Blasphemy' outrage as Cathedral used in ad
Apr 5 2004
By Louise Davies Daily Post Staff
AN ADVERTISING campaign featuring a "crucified" semi-naked model with Liverpool RC Metropolitan Cathedral in the background has sparked anger amongst the city's religious leaders.
The image, which is promoting a new range of designer T-shirts, has been condemned as "blasphemous".
The photograph features former Page 3 model Debbie Turpin, 23, on a cross with Liverpool's Roman Catholic Cathedral in the background and bears the caption "Don't sacrifice your style".
Liverpool-born model Ms Turpin is covered by just a T-shirt printed with the logo and her tortured facial expression has been described as reminiscent of the controversial Mel Gibson movie, The Passion Of The Christ.
The photograph, which was commissioned by Chester-based internet fashion company bdbx, can be seen on the firm's website http://www.bdbx.com
Monsignor Peter Cookson, Roman Catholic dean of Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, said: "It's bad taste, disrespectful and, if you are a believer, it is blasphemous.
"People think they can do anything they like with religious imagery these days and I'm upset that anybody should be using a distasteful picture like this, with our cathedral in the background, to sell their products.
"The boundaries of what's acceptable to use to sell goods has drawn back, but I have never seen anything as outrageous as this, certainly not something which uses our building.
"The cross is a recognised Christian symbol and it is very tasteless.
"We would certainly not give anyone permission to take a photograph like this outside the cathedral.
"But I doubt if there is any law preventing this, so it seems there is not much we can do about it. But it is very distressing."
Monsignor Cookson was backed by Church of England Canon Anthony Hawley.
He said: "It is a shameless marketing ploy. It is nearly Easter and this is in very poor taste.
"It should be a time of reflection and great joy at the resurrection of Christ and this is appalling, it is outrageous.
"It is something that we would like to see removed from the website."
Council leaders said the stunt was an attempt to cash in on Liverpool's Culture City status.
Cllr Warren Bradley, executive member for Leisure & Tourism, said: I'm disgusted. It is Easter and we should be reflecting on Christ's teachings. We are celebrating the Year of Faith in Liverpool and we don't want to be associated with this type of image.
"It's not something we will be supporting as a city. We are the European Capital of Culture and there are so many good things going on in the city.
"This is not something we want to be associated with.
"It is just rank commercialism at its worst."
Bdbx was set up by 20-year-old fashion designer Alec Stacey who said he stands by the campaign.
He added: "This fashion range is all about youth culture, being in your face, not being afraid to break the rules and challenging convention.
"The photograph reflects the rebellious nature of youth culture and I think the young people who see it will understand where we are coming from. Liverpool's the city of culture and bdbx is about youth culture and I thought it was appropriate."
link