OPEN LETTER
Stuart Murphy
Controller BBC3
BBC TV Centre
London W12 7RJ

1st February 2004

Dear Mr Murphy,

We are extremely concerned that the BBC's proposed series Popetown will alienate people from the Catholic Church.  Given the BBC's own publicity about the programme says "cardinals are sinister, corrupt and mysteriously
wealthy and the Pope is an infuriatingly childish 77-year-old whose every fickle whim must be indulged", we believe it is impossible to accept the BBC's claim that Popetown "does not mock Catholics and although it is
humorous, it is respectful and affectionate."
Popetown seems designed to imprint in the minds of its audience an image of the Pope as a childish tyrant, and the Church as fundamentally corrupt. This is the most diabolical defamation, and apart from being grossly offensive to those who revere the Holy Father as their spiritual leader, it will also deter people from exploring the Catholic understanding of truth.

As the BBC has thus far refused to accept that Popetown is damaging and offensive, then we ask as a matter of urgency to be granted an advance screening of the programme and copies of the transcripts.  We will then be
able to tell you with clarity what the programme means to Catholics.

Notwithstanding the importance of freedom of expression, it is indefensible that the BBC should use the money of licence-fee paying Catholics to demean their spiritual leader.  We hope that you will understand our deep distress.

Yours sincerely,

Rt Rev Bishop Ambrose Griffiths, Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle
Fr Fidelis, Franciscan Friary, Ilford
Fr Marsden, St Josephs, Anderton
Ann Widdecombe MP
David Amess MP
James Mawdsley, Rishton, Lancashire
Martin Foley, London
Dr Anne-Marie Wood, London
Jose Cuadrado, Lancaster University
Verity-Rose King, Lancaster University

For further details, contact:
James Mawdsley, 70, Talbot Street, Rishton, Lancashire, BB1 4NZ
JRRMawdsley@aol.com 07976 624 706