The Exorcist as a Christmas Special?

While I am reluctant to criticise our public television, I wonder whose bright idea it is to screen such a movie and by what leap of logic to bill it as a Christmas Special?

CHRISTIAN FEDERATION OF MALAYSIA

(PERSEKUTUAN KRISTIAN MALAYSIA)

Address: 10, Jalan 11/9, Section 11, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

Telephone: (03) 7957 1278, (03) 7957 146, Fax: (03) 7957 1457

Email: cfmsia@yahoo.co.uk

9 December 2009

CFM STATEMENT ON THE EXORCIST III movie shown on NTV7

on 5 Dec 2009 SATURDAY at 11PM

THE EXORCIST III MOVIE DOES NOT REFLECT CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

The Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) strongly objects to the recent showing of the movie The Exorcist III by NTV7 on 5 December 2009 at 11pm which was promoted by the network as a “Christmas Special”.

The CFM, which represents the Christian community in Malaysia, views with disdain the decision of the network to broadcast a satanic and horror movie for public viewing and to say that it is in connection with the season of Christmas. Such a programming decision is utterly incomprehensible and wholly inappropriate.

If indeed it is the genuine desire of the network to broadcast movies as part of a “Christmas Special”, we feel that the network should be screening movies that exemplify the Christmas spirit of love and sharing rather than a satanic and horror movie. We wonder what message the network is trying to portray to the public about the true meaning of Christmas.

The world is full of violence and horror on a regular basis. Let us at least set aside the season of Christmas, when Christians around the world celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, as a time to promote love, joy and peace.

signed

Bishop Ng Moon Hing

Chairman and the Executive Committee of the

Christian Federation of Malaysia