Christian Party Offices Vandalized After Launch of Bus Ads

By Maria Mackay, Christian Today Reporter Monday, February 16, 2009

LONDON - The offices of a conservative Christian political organization were vandalized following the launch of a new bus advertising campaign proclaiming that there is a God.

"I'm disappointed more than shocked," said the Rev. George Hargreaves, head of the Christian Party.

The party launched ads on London buses last Thursday in response to the atheist ad campaign by the British Humanist Association that declare, "There probably is no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life."

The Christian Party's ads are displayed on 50 London buses and carry the slogan: "There definitely is a God. So join the Christian Party and enjoy your life."

Days after the launch, the front windows of the Christian Party's London headquarters were found smashed Saturday morning. Police have launched an investigation and suspect the incident to be a religious hate crime.

Hargreaves labeled the incident as a "sign of the times" but vowed to continue on with the ad campaign.

He added that the Christian Party had experienced similar acts of violence in Scotland when protesters tore down their campaign posters.

"It's just a shame that people who are intolerant of Christianity feel that they need to destroy property and to be violent," he continued.

"We are not phased by it," he commented. "What was intended for evil will be used for good. If they break our windows, we will just put in new windows.

"We don't have to get violent or angry about it. We just have to love the Lord, keep a good witness and the Lord will do the rest."

The party is due to launch the same ads in a six-week campaign in Scotland, beginning Feb. 24.