British Christians are in an uproar after a commercial reciting the Lord’s Prayer was banned from 80 percent of the United Kingdom’s movie theaters. The 60-second advert titled “Just Pray” was planned to play during the previews of the hotly anticipated “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” film, opening Christmas day.
Digital Cinema Media (DCM), the company responsible for advertising to Britain’s main movie houses banned the commercial for fears that the advert could be taken offensively. “Just Pray” features scenes of several Christians, ranging in age, gender and race going about their everyday lives while reciting the Lord’s Prayer in an accompanying voiceover. The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby also makes an appearance in the advert. The commercial ends with the words “prayer is for everyone” accompanied by the Church of England logo and website.
The Church of England planned to show the advert before the “Star Wars” film because the movie is “a multi-generational cultural event.” Arun Arora, director of communications for the Church of England, told CNN she was “shocked by this wrong decision.” The Church of England is now considering taking legal action, according to CNN.
Stephen Evans, the campaigns manager of the National Secular Society defended DCM’s decision. “Of course the Lord’s Prayer is not offensive, but I think banning the advert from cinemas is a good idea. It’s about not alienating paying customers. This is commercial decision.”
Do you agree with the DCM’s decision to ban the commercial? Share your thoughts on religious commercials on Deily.
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