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Vicar removes 'scary' cross from his church
Ellen Widdup6 Jan 2009
A VICAR ordered the removal of a sculpture of Jesus Christ being crucified from the front of his church after branding it "unsuitable" and "a horrifying depiction of pain and suffering".
The Rev Ewen Souter said the Christian symbol was frightening children and scaring off worshippers at St John's Church in Horsham, West Sussex.
He has had the 10ft resin sculpture, by Edward Bainbridge Copnall, a former president of the Royal Society of British Sculptors, torn down. It has been replaced by a modern stainless steel cross.
Mr Souter, formerly a cell biologist, said: "The crucifix expressed suffering, torment, pain and anguish. It was a scary image, particularly for children. Parents didn't want to walk past it with their kids because they found it so horrifying."
The sculpture was removed and taken on a low-loader lorry to nearby Horsham Museum, where it will now be displayed.
One member of the church's congregation, who asked not to be named, said: "Next they'll be ripping out the pews and putting sofas in their place, or throwing out all the bibles and replacing them with laptops."
Mr Souter, who has been the vicar of St John's since 2001, believes the new cross will present "a message of hope".
Reader views (7)
Interesting comment from the 'long-standing' member of the church. St. John's doesn't have pews! The church has a fantastic new hall facility for use of the whole community and is, I think, just trying to express some hope. It's a shame this story has been 'whipped up'.
- Natalie Loveless, Warnham, 07/01/2009 10:35
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This should be in a horror film not outside a church giving kids nightmares. Full marks for taking it down. I disagree that the museum is the best place for it though, could it not be recycled in some way? otherwise the tip is the best place.
- Julian, London, 07/01/2009 09:58
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This case only illustrates the belittlement of the cross.
We are so used to that picture that we ignore what it is.
It is what it is: An instrument of torture.
Avoiding that fact deminish what Jeshuah achieved: Salvation through his death.
- Just My Opinion, somewhere, outthere, 07/01/2009 04:45
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I don't blame the vicar for having it removed. It is unremittingly bleak and depressing. The message of Christianity is hope and reconciliation, sadly there is nothing of that here. I'm sure the artist meant well, but the crucifixion was followed by the resurrection...
- Sarahn, London, UK, 06/01/2009 22:31
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I thought Christ suffered in agony on the cross, dying in this horrible fashion to cleanse us from all our sins? Now a memorial of that suffering has been taken away because it's too accurate?!
- Nick, Exeter, UK, 06/01/2009 21:39
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This scupture may have been a mistake in the first place, especially for the outside of a church building; the museum is more appropriate. But the significance of the Crucifix per se should be taught and not avoided. The Vicar has his job cut out for him.
- Another Parson, Mount Airy (Mayberry) US, 06/01/2009 17:27
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I worshipped at this church from 1997 to 2001 and the cross was indeed horrific. It faced onto the main road and was not a positive view. It was not "torn down" as you report, in fact it has been donated to the local museum in perfect condition. The member of the congregation that you quote is talking rubbish (or has been misquoted) as the church has not had pews for many years, I was there this Christmas Day sitting in a very comfy chair (but not a sofa!). Well done Ewen for making the change!
- Adam Creen, Woking, UK, 06/01/2009 16:08
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