The United Church of Canada Emerging Spirit Campaign

Check out the print campaign of 6 ads--lower left corner--and the web-based video with the squirrel--lower right corner.
The print goes from Jesus turned Santa Claus to Bobblehead Jesus.

In a television interview this morning (I think on Good Morning, America) there was no response when asked about the print ad that says: "How much fun can sex be before it's a sin?"

For more information about the campaign go to:
http://www.united-church.ca/gco/061110.shtm
Answers to Questions about the Emerging Spirit Ad Campaign by
The Rev. Dr. Jim Sinclair, General Secretary, General Council,
The United Church of Canada, a sampling of which is listed below.

"The Emerging Spirit ads are designed to attract attention, elicit conversation, and point people toward the WonderCafe website*. Their intent is not to make fun of personal religious belief or diminish basic religious understanding. Jesus probably looked for a similar reaction when he declared: It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.

The Emerging Spirit ad campaign is designed to communicate to a generation of primarily 30- to 45-year-olds who have very little or no knowledge of organized religion and the contemporary church. The ads are not intended to reach out to people who are already members and adherents of The United Church of Canada. These ads have been thoroughly tested with people in the age group they are intended for. We are confident the ads will attract the attention of 30- to 45-year-olds who don't go to church, and provoke discussion among them about faith and religion issues.

The Emerging Spirit ad campaign is not attempting to define what the United Church is all about. Rather, it is meant to raise questions about faith, religion, and other important questions of life, and invite discussion. It hopes to reach out to the millions of Canadians who feel that organized religion isn't relevant to their lifestyle and their lives. As a result, the ads must not feel "churchy" or be what many people would expect from The United Church of Canada. We are trying to get people to consider church in a different way. We believe these ads will do that."