A Very Dirty Christmas Movie” Disrespectful To Christian Faith – CAN

The Christian Association of Nigeria CAN has expressed concern over a movie titled : ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’, which it considers offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith.

CAN President, Most Reverend Daniel Okoh in a statement said Christmas is a sacred season that marks the birth of Jesus Christ and represents purity, peace, love and redemption, hence linking such a holy celebration with the word “dirty” diminishes its spiritual meaning and reduces a solemn religious observance to something crude and sensational.

According to him, the Christian Association of Nigeria respects creative freedom and artistic expression, but such freedom must be exercised with responsibility and sensitivity, especially in a religiously diverse society like Nigeria.”

“Creativity should build understanding and unity, not provoke or offend deeply held beliefs.”

Most Reverend Daniel Okoh said the concern was that a film bearing such a title passed through regulatory and professional channels without adequate scrutiny calling on the National Film and Video Censors Board to explain how the title was approved for public exhibition, particularly during the Christmas season.

He urged bodies such as the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and other stakeholders in Nollywood to take a clear stand on the use of religious themes and symbols in ways that may offend faith communities.

The CAN President therefore called on the producers and promoters of the film to reconsider the title, issue a public apology, and take deliberate steps to ensure that religious symbols and sacred seasons are treated with the dignity they deserve.

“CAN calls on the producer, Ini Edo, to show sensitivity and address the concerns raised by the Christian community.”

He maintained that CAN remains committed to peaceful engagement but will continue to speak out whenever the dignity of the Christian faith is undermined in the public space.

Kayode Oyedare, Edited By Grace Namiji