Statement in response to the vandalism of St Matthew’s billboard
by Revd Glynn Cardy and Revd Clay Nelson
19 December 2011
Arthur Skinner and the Catholic Action Group used our billboard, his vandalism of it, and our property this morning to
gain publicity for his point of view and to further his supposedly “Catholic” organisation’s agenda. He has also
announced that he was willing to be arrested for his illegal act. We believe Mr Skinner could have gained the same
attention without the vandalism. While his offer to be arrested is tempting, we declined the invitation (however we
wouldn’t decline restitution). We would rather bring attention to the world’s poor, the plight of women in too many
countries, hungry children, the destruction of the environment, and the need to end violence rather than his religious
intolerance.
We would note that Christians often come to different conclusions in their reading of Scripture. We see Mary as a woman
of courage who overcame the religious and cultural stigma of illegitimacy. Being shocked by the discovery of her
pregnancy does not diminish her faith. Other Christians, such as Mr. Skinner seem to be upset by this idea about Mary,
and believe that their ideas about her are the only legitimate ones. We don’t question his right to express them, only
his manner of doing so.
Frankly, we are tired of Christian intolerance—and embarrassed by it. As Christians we need to wonder if we can truly
love our neighbours while demonising them? When will we recognise that none of us have the whole truth? When will we
recognize that those who hold contrary opinions are not ‘of the devil’? When will we recognise that truth comes in many
guises, often in unexpected ways?
Christmas is an opportunity to recognise that people understand Jesus' birth in a huge variety of ways. Let's celebrate
that.
ENDS