Billboards - Provocative and Offensive

Katrina Lee, Director, Catholic Communications
30 May 2011

Christians uphold freedom of religion. It is the right of every individual to hold certain beliefs in conscience. It is also important that respect be shown to those who hold differing beliefs.

In Australia with its Christian heritage a billboard carrying the statement "Jesus A prophet of Islam" is provocative and offensive to Christians. Central to Christianity is the belief that Jesus Christ is more than a prophet.  He is the Son of God. He is acclaimed Lord and Saviour of humanity.

It is important that religions do not set out to antagonise those with differing beliefs. This would threaten the social harmony which we enjoy in Australia. Dialogue between the religions can only take place when it is founded in mutual respect. It is not fostered by provocative statements.

For the sake of preserving social harmony and respect between major world religions these billboards should be withdrawn, along with others which carry messages directly offensive to Christians.

The campaign organisers profess the billboard advertisements are to inform but in effect they have provoked a response reflected in the vandalism we saw at the weekend. We certainly do not support vandalism but its occurrence is a sign that the advertisement has provoked a negative response.

Bishop Julian Porteous
Archdiocese of Sydney