UK cinema chains ban Our Father

The UK's three largest cinema chains: Odeon, Cineworld and Vue have banned a short ad which shows people from different walks of life, reciting the Our Father - on the grounds that it could cause offence to non-Christians.

The Just Pray clip had received clearance from the Cinema Advertising Authority and British Board of Film Classification.

It was due to be shown to audiences before the pre-Christmas launch of the new Star Wars film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

The Archbishop of Canterbury said: "I find it extraordinary that cinemas rule that it is inappropriate for an advert on prayer to be shown in the week before Christmas when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

"Billions of people across the world pray this prayer on a daily basis. I think they would be astonished and deeply saddened by this decision, especially in the light of the terrorist attack in Paris where many people have found comfort and solace in prayer.

"This advert is about as "offensive" as a carol service or church service on Christmas Day. As a church we are a Jesus movement and this is the prayer which Jesus taught his disciples.

"I think people need to watch the film and come to their own conclusions as to whether it is offensive or upsetting. Let the public judge for themselves rather than be censored or dictated to."

A spokesman for the Digital Cinema Media (DCM) agency, which handles advertising for the cinema chains involved, said: "Some advertisements - unintentionally or otherwise - could cause offence to those of differing political persuasions, as well as to those of differing faiths and indeed of no faith. In this regard, DCM treats all political or religious beliefs equally".

Jack Valero, from Catholic Voices, commented: "As we have seen in Paris, people in need instinctively turn to prayer. There were a million people praying around Notre Dame last Sunday, many of them not Christian. Given the many people in need today (migrants, the unemployed, broken families...) it seems bewildering that a short video showing that it is possible to pray anywhere and at any time should be banned as possibly offensive."
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Watch the film here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxgwWzh0h-w

See also: Seven reasons to ban the Lord's Prayer www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=28860