The United Church of Canada is set to join the discussion inspired by British "atheist ads" scheduled to begin appearing on buses in selected Canadian cities. The Church will launch its own print and online campaign as part of its WonderCafé initiative to remind Canadians that religion isn't an "either, or" and there remains lots of room for discussion.
The atheist ads, sponsored by Canada's Freethought Association, declare 'There's Probably No God. Now Stop Worrying and Enjoy your Life.' The United Church of Canada ads, created by Toronto-based Smith Roberts Creative Communications, use the same words, but then add a second option: 'There's Probably a God. Now Stop Worrying and Enjoy Your Life' and sign off with 'Join the Discussion' at WonderCafe.ca. Brought to you by the people of The United Church of Canada.
"The United Church of Canada believes in open, honest discussion around all issues, including those related to religion," says the Rev. Dr. Keith Howard, Executive Director of WonderCafe.ca. "The debate that is sure to follow these ads across the Atlantic to Canada is exactly what we created WonderCafe.ca for. The Freethought Association, who are bringing the ads to Canada, state their goal is to spark debate - we welcome such a debate and are eager to join the conversation, as are many Canadians, as witnessed by the
buzz the ads have already created in the media and at WonderCafe.ca"
This new ad is the latest example of the provocative and often controversial advertising that the United Church has used to stimulate discussion and debate at WonderCafe.ca. Previous ads used everything from a Bobblehead Jesus to a trained squirrel that offered a unique perspective on visitors' questions on moral and ethical issues.
"There have already been more than 100 posts on WonderCafe.ca about the atheist ads, and they haven't even run yet," says Malcolm Roberts, President of Smith Roberts. "We look forward to expanding the debate with the United Church of Canada's perspective on questions posed by the atheist campaign."
