Churches respond to De La Warr Pavilion controversy

This week the organisation representing the town's Christians suggested an alternative to the "Give up the Good book, take up a good gun" exhibit.

Churches Together In Bexhill said: "The De La Warr Pavilion has been showing an exhibition by a commissioned artist, Nathan Coley, for the season July 26 to September 21 where one of the exhibits has caused comment and criticism.

"The exhibit is a poster with a grey gunmetal background with the words drilled in as if representing bullet holes.

"The words read 'Give up the Good Book, take up a good gun."

"To some the first part is offensive and an attack on religious belief, and the second half could be considered an incitement to violence

"A complementary exhibit in the De La Warr Pavilion called 'What do you think happens to you when you die?' by Nathan Coley is a video sequence interviewing people on their opinion.

"The result shows the great sadness that these people really do not have any comfort about their eternal destiny, but this does not reflect the opinions of the majority of the residents in this nation.

"In contrast, the Christian faith looks to the Bible as the 'Good Book,' and in considering the words of scripture we can find answers to the moral and spiritual condition of man, and find the way to peace with God.

"An alternative poster to provide a signpost to finding these answers might read 'Consider the Good Book, remember the promises of God.'

"This provides some hope in the midst of sadness and disillusionment."

Churches Together In Bexhill suggest that for further information on how to find the Promises of God the public can pick up the Bible, call in at their local Christian church or e-mail [email protected]