It's wholesome and liberating ... how cathedral landed in row over nudism

By Jonathan Petre
10th April 2011

A Church of England cathedral is at the centre of a row after promoting nudism as ‘wholesome’ and ‘liberating’ on its website.

The item was posted by Manchester Cathedral several weeks ago on its ‘Spirit of Life’ site, which has been advertising a Mind, Body, Spirit fair planned for next month. The fair includes card readings, dream interpretations and a fire-breathing vicar.

Under a section headed ‘New Age’, the item said airbrushed models created ‘an unhealthy, unnatural model of perfection’.

In contrast, it continued, ‘naturism is a liberating lifestyle and belief which encourages self-respect, respect for others and for the environment, and embodies freedom and a unique sense of communion with nature. the rest image by Nikodemus Siivola

The cathedral website included a link to the little-known Christian Naturist Fellowship, set up in 1999 to organise ‘clothing-free’ gatherings across the country.

But all references to nudity suddenly disappeared from the site last week after critics said the cathedral was promoting fads that undermined traditional Christianity.