Billboard vicar hops on the buses
Taonga news
| 28 Feb 2010
Print This
TEXT
Top News...
- Latest
- Most commented
The vicar behind the controversial billboard outside St Matthew in the City, Auckland, is in the headlines again over a campaign to display atheist slogans on buses.
NZ Bus decided last month to ban the display of paid adverts showing such slogans as "There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life."
The company tentatively approved the ads for buses in major centres, but backed down after receiving complaints from the public and staff. Similar campaigns have run in Australia, the United States, Britain and other European countries.
In a statement, Glynn Cardy distanced himself from the spirit of the campaign. His concern, rather, was to uphold the principle of free speech.
"There are many Christians who although not atheistic do not wish for those of differing beliefs, including those of such slogans, to be censored," he said. "Their view would coincide with Evelyn Beatrice Hall’s words 'I may not agree with what you say but I will defend to the death your right to say it.'
"Free speech is an important principle undergirding both democracy and spiritual inquiry. Although there are some limits to free speech, for example hate speech and pornography, the onus should be upon those wanting to restrain free expression to prove their case. Free speech should be the norm, censorship the exception.
"The proposed atheist campaign brings into the public eye a debate about the nature and existence of God. This is a debate that many Christians want to engage in.
"Is God, following Richard Dawkins, simply an all-powerful male in the sky for whom there is no evidence and therefore can be dismissed? Or is God an expansive spiritual power that has the capacity to call forth the best in human beings? Are there some depictions of God that are oppressive, and are there some that are not?
"The seeming capitulation of NZ Bus to those fearful of discussing theological ideas is a sad reflection upon our society. What are we afraid of? Is God, or any belief, so sacrosanct that it can’t be publicly debated? Are we frightened of discussion and difference?
"Buses these days seem to carry a number of advertisements some of which promote the consumption of alcohol, a diet of violent television, and other messages that could be seen to be morally questionable. Most advertising is encouraging us to buy, whether the product is essential or not.
"How refreshing it is to see advertising that is not asking us to buy anything, aspire to be slim, or sell us a lifestyle we can’t afford. How refreshing that the advertising simply asks us to think, not worry, and enjoy life.
"I hope NZ Bus will review their decision."
Editors' Picks
Bishops slam 'shameful' cells
Senior church leaders have spoken out against conditions at New Plymouth prison, labelling the...
'New buoyancy' greets Bishop Kelvin
One of Dunedin's own, Dr Kelvin Wright, is installed as its ninth Anglican Bishop.
Big refit for century-old church
One of Gisborne's hidden treasures is to be restored for the whole community to enjoy.
Bishop challenges 'the good life'
The retiring Bishop of Auckland has laid his pastoral staff on the altar - and challenged Kiwi...
Pasefika farewells 'a prince of the church'
The funeral service for Archbishop Jabez Bryce, Bishop of Polynesia, followed two days of gath...
Just how green can you get?
Respect for the environment is not an optional extra for the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan W...
© Anglican Taonga
ANGLICAN TAONGA is the communications arm of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia / Te Haahi Mihanare ki Niu Tireni, ki Nga Moutere o Te Moana Nui a Kiwa. TAONGA magazine is published three times a year and distributed to all Anglican ministry units and agencies. TAONGA also publishes occasional booklets on church, ministry and sacraments. The General Editor of TAONGA is accountable to the Communications Commission of General Synod / te Hinota Whanui, 200 St Johns Road, Meadowbank, Auckland 1742.
Comments on this story
Patti Lao-Wood
Wednesday 12 May 2010 11:12:57 pm
Mike Coker
Monday 08 March 2010 4:57:38 pm
Log in or create a user account to comment.