Irish radio bans word 'crib' from Christmas advert

Irish bishops have expressed their dismay at the refusal of public service national radio station RTE1 to allow the word 'crib' in a Christmas advert. Veritas, an agency of the Bishops' Conference, had for the first time commissioned the advert, which is currently running on RTE1 to promote Veritas retail outlets and gifts in the run up to Christmas.

The station was not available for comment at the time of this update. The Irish Bishops have expressed concern and disappointment in a statement issued at the end of their conference yesterday. They said: "The removal of the word 'crib' from the advertisement is both an affront to Christians and belies common sense in the context of Irish society and culture. "Whether it is in the editing of a Veritas advertisement, or a creche policy to no longer hold the Christmas Nativity play; or, by discontinuing the placement of a crib in a hospital foyer, we are asking Christians to reflect on - and protect what is the true spirit of Advent and Christmas, namely: a time to reflect on our life journey and to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Saviour."

Final copy of Veritas Christmas 2007 radio advertisement follows: "This Christmas, make your seasons greetings extra special with a gift from Veritas. We've got a fabulous selection of books, cards, music, Christmas art, quality Irish hand made crafts and lots of festive items. Remember, if you want something different this Christmas there's only one name and that's Veritas. You'll find Veritas at Abbey Street and Blanchardstown Centre Dublin, Cork, Derry, Ennis, Letterkenny, Monaghan and Sligo. Veritas- for books and gifts with a difference. Visit Veritas.ie."

Bishops encourage the faithful to visit Veritas shops and to consider purchasing cribs, books, Christmas cards and other spiritual and religious gifts. The Bishops also highlighted the importance of choosing Christmas cards with an explicitly Christian theme. While such cards are always available in Veritas, parish and other religious shops, they are becoming more difficult to find in other retail outlets.

Source: Irish Catholic Media Office