Ekklesia tells Canterbury to “turn the other cheek”

Christian think-tank Ekklesia have called on Canterbury Cathedral to withdraw its calls to censor a computer game. The game, called War on Terror, features the Cathedral as a backddrop to one of its battle scenes.

A letter to the Canterbury Dean and Chapter says:

Our thought is that the situation can still be turned round to positive effect. Would it be too daring to suggest that now might be a good time for St Michael’s chapel to be re-branded the ‘peacemakers’ chapel’, using the words of Jesus, instead of the ‘warriors’ chapel’ – which has rather less Gospel warrant?

Perhaps it would also be an appropriate site for a small exhibition on non-violence and conflict transformation. This would fit well with the Cathedral’s daily practice of ringing the HMS Canterbury bell in memory of those in the armed services who died in the last two world wars – an idea which could also be extended to remember all victims of war.

Ekklesia is a progressive Christian think-tank which has spoken out in for free expression in the past, and is also in favour of abolishing the blasphemy law.


5 Responses to “Ekklesia tells Canterbury to “turn the other cheek””

  1. Simon Barrow says:

    Thanks, Dave. Ekklesia has also spoken out against faith schools, establishment, and creationism/ID, MWW readers might like to know. On this one, we pointed out that “while there are legitimate concerns about wargames, the religious habit of trying to ban things that they find offensive is part of a ‘Christendom mentality’ – the idea that the church is there to order others around, rather than to promote positive alternatives and get its own house in order.” Regards, SB

  2. Marc Draco says:

    I can’t figure Ekklesia. What exactly *do* they want to do? Pretty much everything I’ve seen seems to warn Christians from doing anything… Almost as if being a Christian is an anachronism (which it is, of course).

  3. Simon Barrow says:

    We want to make Christendom an anachronism – and a subversive, radical, humane and thoughtful Christianity a lively option… though one you are free to ignore or ridicule if you so wish.

  4. Ricky Smith says:

    So, in other words Simon you’re sort of nearly nearly nearly NOT Christians? Fascinating! It must be so tantalising, peeping over the fence, to see us all having a laugh and being so disrespectful. What stops you? Gulit? Go on – come on over, the water’s lovely!!

  5. Simon Barrow says:

    Interestingly, some of the first Christians were called atheists… by people who were as puzzled at a non-imperial form of religion as you are, it seems 😉 I fear that the fence you are talking about is a convenient stereotype to avoid the difficulties of thought and otherness which exist on all ‘sides’. The reality is a bit more complex and interesting … and hopeful, in my experience. Meanwhile, I’m happily Christian, but not as you know it. Thankfully. Best, S.