Cardiff’s skyline features a unique addition this Easter season, as council-permitted banners encouraging church attendance have sparked a lively debate. Despite pressure from humanists to remove these messages, Cardiff Council remains firm in its decision.
The banners, prominently featuring the message “Trust in Jesus, he is alive, come to church,” have been strategically placed on lampposts throughout the city. This initiative is not directly funded by the council; instead, an external group has paid for the advertising space.
Wales Humanists, as reported by Wales Online, have voiced numerous complaints, arguing that the council’s logo on these adverts compromises its duty to maintain religious neutrality.
The group has urged Cardiff Council to urgently review its lamppost advertising policies to prevent the appearance of endorsing a specific faith.
In response, Cardiff Council has decided to maintain the status quo. A spokesperson clarified that the advertising space is available to registered charities and businesses, and that the existing advertisements adhere to the council’s policies.
According to the spokesperson, “The booking of this advertising space is managed by Bay Media, an external national provider of advertising space, in compliance with the council’s advertising policy,” as stated in Wales Online.
The council’s logo, as explained, signifies permission for the banner’s location on council property, rather than an endorsement of the message itself.
Locally, the banners were organized by a Presbyterian pastor and funded through crowdfunding, with the initiative being well-received by the Christian community.
The Diocese of Llandaff expressed its support on social media, stating, “It’s great to see these banners popping up in Roath. Huge thanks to everyone who funded them, and to Cardiff Council for allowing them to be put up. What an amazing way to share our Good News!”
Similarly, a local Catholic school governor tweeted about his surprise and delight upon seeing the banners, remarking on their official appearance.
Historically, religious advertisements have been contentious. In a notable 2021 case, Blackpool Borough Council and Blackpool Transport Services faced a hefty fine for removing Christian-themed adverts following complaints, highlighting ongoing tensions between freedom of expression and community concerns.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
