Strange

New Zealand Church Bedroom Billboard Defaced within Hours

by Jordan Yerman | December 17, 2009 at 08:51 am

476 views | 16 Recommendations | 3 comments

Auckland, New Zealand's St Matthew-in-the-City Church posted a billboard depicting Joseph in bed with Mary, with the caption "Poor Joseph. God is a hard act to follow". The church knew that the billboard would spark controversy, but the billboard was defaced within hours. CCTV cameras caught the vandal in action.

St Matthew-in-the-City spokesman Clay Nelson didn't seem surprised at all, though he expected the billboard to last at least overnight.

Who vandalized the billboard? Auckland police arent' sure yet, but it's somebody who probably needs a hug.

"We knew this would create a little bit of a fuss but I had no idea that my co-religionists had no sense of humour."

Mr Nelson said the billboard had clearly succeeded in sparking debate, judging by publicity and the number of messages the church had received.

The billboard was, according to Nelson, a play to get people to talk about Christmas in terms other than shopping.

To make the news at Christmas it seems a priest just needs to question the literalness of a virgin giving birth.

Also see:
Advent Conspiracy

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Uwe Paschen

at 16:24 on December 17th, 2009

Well, shows that some Christian react no different then some Muslim do when they believes or holy images are being challenged.

Surprisingly this provocation did come from the Church it self and it should have sparked some intellectual discussions rather then rage or rather outrage.

Sputnic

at 02:40 on December 18th, 2009

So the church committed sacrilage ! Strange church

Applecore (not verified)

at 08:48 on December 29th, 2009

How long will it be before the vandals issue a fatah and call for the murder of the church officials? Paschen is correct. There really isn't any difference between the radical Christians and the radical Muslims when it comes to questioning their faith.Only when we understand that humans don't have to defend Allah, or Jesus or "GOD", that they (if they exist) are perfectly capable of taking the corrective action. People are just wound too tight. Lighten up. Look for humor in the world not things that are offensive.