If Thy Redeemer Offend Thee...

A West Sussex vicar has had a statue of the Crucifixion removed from his church because it implies that the business of being flogged, crowned with thorns, nailed through the hands and feet and then speared might not be altogether fun. According to the Reverend Ewen Souter, "the crucifix expressed suffering, torment, pain and anguish", and thus was not a suitable means of depicting the holy agony. "We need a more uplifting and inspiring symbol than execution on a cross"; which no doubt is why the statue is to be replaced with a new, stainless steel image of execution on a cross. "Being made out of coal dust and resin it represents the cutting edge of materials", rather than representing anything anyone might find objectionable. After all, what was Christ Himself about, if not bums on seats? "We're all about hope, encouragement and the joy of the Christian faith. We want to communicate good news, not bad news"; certainly not the idea that seeking redemption can cause suffering or be hard work.