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A Christian campaign group has been told to remove the word "God" from posters on climate change.
Camden council has told the parishioners from Our Lady Help of Christians in Kentish Town that their leaflets, which advertise meetings to discuss issues including global warming, were not suitable for noticeboards in public libraries or social centres.
They have been asked to remove words such as "God" and "Christian" from the text to avoid upsetting people from different religious backgrounds.
Campaigners have described the rule as "absurd". Mike Judge, for the Christian Institute, said: "It's ridiculous and most people will roll their eyes and shake their heads at it.
"It would be laughable if it were not so serious." He pointed out that while the council would not allow the Christian group to advertise, it provided enquirers with details of no fewer than 13 mosques, Muslim study groups and Islamic social groups in the area.
A spokesman for the council said it was "happy to help promote community events that are open to everyone on our noticeboards" but that the Christian posters conflicted with its policy against the promotion of religious ideas.
Jo Siedlecka, who is organising the meetings for the Our Lady parish, said they were part of a push by church leaders who want to publicise their fears over the greenhouse effect. The drive has the approval of the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams as well as Roman Catholic clergy.
She said: "I don't understand why they won't allow us to put up our posters. I spoke to officials at the town hall who told me that they could not promote a religion. They said they would be very happy if it was green, but it could not be Christian."
Reader views (20)
Sadly, the word God has become a taboo just like some 60 years ago
you would not have a poster in the streets of london with the words Sex, Cocaine and Lesbians on it, but today, these words are everywhere because they sell anything from newspaper to fashion.
But what values one gets from most of what is used in the written media today?
It is great that today anyone is accepted as a buddhist or a jew, but never as a Christian. Christians are thought of weak, brainwashed and less smart than others...
- Cleyenne L, London Uk
I miss not living in England but everytine i hear another one of these Barking mad stories i miss living there even less.
Perhaps Camden council would have been happier with the word Allah in the poster but as the word "GOD" is used by just about every religious belief on the planet then what in GODS name do they have to be concerned about?
- Larry, Auckland New Zealand
You're missing the point--simply keep your religious posters, ten commandment plaques, and Christmas and Easter displays on church rather than government property. That applies to both the UK and US. If it's okay for Christian churches to post on government property, it's also okay for Islamics, Buddhists, atheists.......
- Skip Waterhouse, la pointe, wi. USA
Camden Council has for a number of years been involved in the hosting and funding of events promoting 'Islam Awareness Week" under their 'Equality' programme. They are simply lying if they now claim their objection is to the use of council facilities to promote a religion. Their objection is to Christianity.
If they want to allow the promotion of some religions, fine, but then let it be all. If they claim to not allow any promotion of religion, then again fine, but why have they been spending money for years promoting Islam?
As has been noted, this sort of hypocritical prejudice on their part only serves the odious likes of the BNP. Camden deserve to be sued and those responsible sacked. Bigoted 'Multiculturalist' bullies have had their own for too long and the tide is turning. Their notion of 'equality' is truly Orwellian.
- Max, UK
"I spoke to officials at the town hall who told me that they could not promote a religion."
Why not complain to Camdon Council and ask them to remove the other advertisments from other religions?
If they do nothing about it then report them to the EHRC.
- Joe Brown, Liverpool Merseyside
Thank God (am I allowed to use that word?) this nonsense might be ended when the change of government takes place next spring.. In the meantime, I think you will find that the Council is breaking the law. Complain immediately to the Equality and Human Rights Commission. Their racism is obvious: they willingly promote Islamic places of worship whilst hindering yours. You just need a good lawyer!
- Steven Davidson, Colchester, England
As a Christian, I am very angry about Camden Council's attitude. In my experience, it is a myth that any religious group is "offended" by words such as "God" and "Christian". The only people "offended" by these words and ideas are people with no religious beliefs whatsoever and local councils officials.
- Deborah Hayward, London
Is belief in global warming not also a "faith"? Why should it be advertised?
- W R Stevenson, London
Again I find myself disappointed to be British. When will people stop being pushed around by these idiots.
- Mark, London
So what does the leaflet say? Is it an advert for an arc when the waters rise? That sounds a bit like God will protect the Christians (their version od Christianity that is) but not the muslims.
- Bj, London
I am an atheist but I think the Council is disgusting for not allowing these posters to be displayed. If they allow the advertising of islamic groups on the grounds that tehy are 'cultural and ethnic minorities', then they should also allow Christian (or Bhuddist or Jewish or Flying Spaghetti Monster groups) to have the same access to publicity. If I was in this Church, I would fight it all the way.
- Sue R, London
It is the stupid politically correct attitude like this that gives strength to parties like the BNP - Well Done
- Very Very Angry At Paying Tax For Mp'S Expeses, Home Counties
It makes perfect sense to me, *provided* the council is even-handed, and bans all reference to all deities, whatever religious group is behind the posters.
In several countries, it's called "separation of church and state" and is part of their constitutions. Interestingly, one such country is Turkey. In this country we have no constitution and "the establishment" includes the church of England. The debate about whether this is a good or a bad thing has been running for centuries and is unlikely to end soon. I can't think of any reason why a council should not embrace disestablismentarianism, and apply that principle in places where it has the statutory authority to do so, such as its own buildings.
Of course, the electorate of that council can make their own views known through the ballot box at the next election. That is democracy in action.
- Nigel, London
This could only happen in the UK.
God help us.
- Reuben Camara, Morecambe Compound, EUSSR
The UK stinks.
- David Crocket, Bradford, UK
We are forever hearing about religious tolerance, and that we can't discriminate on the grounds of race, religion, or even age.
So is this covered by these rules. If so where do I complain. If 'A spokesman for the council said it was "happy to help promote community events that are open to everyone on our noticeboards" but that the Christian posters conflicted with its policy against the promotion of religious ideas' then they are guilty of discrimination. If the report is accurate, and the council is happy to promote Muslim study groups. What does the council think is studied? Flora and forna! If the council will allow other religions to advertise, then, in my view this is discrimination at its worst. Sue them!!!
- Alan, carlisle uk
Camden council.
Say no more.
- Eddie, London
If the Camden Council do not allow the use of Council facilities to promote religion it is only fair to the many that pay their council tax to not have to pay for this religious propaganda
- Terry, Ealing, UK
Promote the minorities and enable the diversity (division) of our society.
Denigrate the indigenous Christian society that we still are.
Liberal-Lefties at their very best and guess what, you indigenous Christians are paying for the destruction of your society thanks to Labour.
- Frank, Home Counties, England.
Oh my G*d!
- Andy, London
