ENGLISH NEWS: ‘Deeply offensive’ Mary, Joseph and Jesus cards slammed by Christians

A NEW new range of “humorous” Christmas cards featuring Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus have been slammed by Christians as being “deeply offensive.”

One of the cards, produced by Yorkshire-based firm Love Layla, includes the wording “Mary just needs to admit she slept with someone else.” Another card says “C’mon Mary” which features a cartoon depiction of the nativity scene with Mary, Joseph and Jesus.

Others in the range include “I am sorry that your December birthday is overshadowed by a bloke that wore socks with sandals” featuring Christ and an “Hands up if it’s your birthday” card featuring Jesus holding his arms apart.

The festive cards are part of a new range designed to be “humorous and edgy”, however several Christian groups have come forward to say the cards “highlight a fundamental hypocrisy” that Christianity is seen as “fair game to mock, disparage and insult.”

James Mildred, the Communication Manager of Christian Action Research and Education, said:

“A lot of Christians will be deeply offended by this sort of thing. As Christians we believe it is vital to exercise respect when sharing our views and listening to what others think. This card is the opposite of respectful.”

Love Layla’s cards and gifts have caused controversy in the past, where its “thank you teacher range” caused fury among unions who branded the range as a disrespect to the job.

Stacey Dennis, who founded the firm four years ago, started printing the designs after being made redundant. In the backlash of the comments she said:

“Christmas isn’t just about religion it’s also about having fun and enjoying ourselves. We’re just trying to be original and funny by catering for all different types of humour, we don’t set out to deliberately upset anyone.”