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Church takes a bite out of Hell Pizza ad

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Wed, 20 Apr 2011 5:07a.m.

The latest billboard from St Matthew in the City, aimed at the billboards from Hell Pizza's recent advertising campaign (NZPA)

The latest billboard from St Matthew in the City, aimed at the billboards from Hell Pizza's recent advertising campaign (NZPA)

An Auckland church has hit back at a controversial Hell Pizza advertisement with their own billboard.

The Hell Pizza billboards compare its new hot cross buns range to Jesus.

The buns, emblazoned with a five-pointed star commonly associated with Satanism and the occult, are accompanied by the slogan: "For a limited time. A bit like Jesus."

Instead of complaining Auckland’s St Matthew in the City has taken a different approach.

The latest billboard outside the central Auckland church takes a bite out of the Hell Pizza ad.

The billboard carries a image of the five-pointed star, hot cross bun accompanied with the slogan: "Hell no. We’re not giving up pizza for Lent."

St Matthew in the City has been known for its controversial campaigns.

In 2009 there were complaints made to the Advertising Standards Authority for a billboard alluding to the sexual activities of the parents of Jesus.

On it, Mary and Joseph are in bed. Joseph looks down dejected. Mary looks sad. The caption reads: "Poor Joseph. God is a hard act to follow."

But not everyone has taken a light-hearted approach to the current Hell Pizza campaign.

Some complaints have been laid with the Advertising Standards Authority.

"It's disrespectful to what a lot of people hold very dear," Anglican Church media officer Lloyd Ashton told the New Zealand Herald.

"The ad is another example of already over-remunerated ad people getting paid more to churn out 'risque' ads.”

Hell Pizza dismissed the criticism, saying any debate their marketing department has cooked up is "good".

"I do not see how it could possibly be disrespectful to anyone's religion," says director Warren Powell.

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Comments

21 Apr 2011 09:00a.m.

Ian Holmes wrote:

Well its about time the church got a sense of humour, why the church gets so angry over advertising has always been beyond me, i suppose it is easy to see why so many wars are started in the name of religion

20 Apr 2011 11:19a.m.

Gregg Sheehan wrote:

Seems like too many people take themselves too seriously. I'm not going to care two hoots about what someone else believes, unless it impacts negatively on what I want to do. Otherwise do, say, think what you like. You can believe the sky is going to fall tomorrow but don't use that belief to stop me going outside with my umbrella ;-)

20 Apr 2011 11:04a.m.

Gaz Keenan wrote:

Well I'm sorry but going after gays doesn't make sense. 'Hell' is the theme, so Christianity is the target. Furthermore, the "limited time only" reference - why is that offensive? Very well done Hell, and St Matthews produced such a lame rebuttal...

20 Apr 2011 10:46a.m.

Ricardo wrote:

Lets see if Hells Pizza has the balls to mock the Koran. I've got $100 says they don't.

20 Apr 2011 10:43a.m.

cyril wrote:

HaHaHa front page news best asvertising you can get and cheap to. At least the church has a sence of humor. I bet if they did it to the muslems theyd send hells pizza to hell in 2 seconds flat. Like the toyota bugger add within 5 mins of someone complaining everyone in the country knew what it was all about. In fact I wouldnt be surprised if it was a toyota emploee who put in the complaint for that reason. best advertising toyota ever had for money spent. Look at Ken Ring before Campbell made him a household name with his discusting attempt at god knows what it would be lucky if 1% of new zealand knew who he was let alone paid him any attention and now it would be hard to find anyone over 20 who didnt know who he is and what he does.

20 Apr 2011 10:17a.m.

Nicole wrote:

Well when I read that billboard all I see is an ad for Pizza... exclaiming hell no they are NOT giving up pizza for lent.

20 Apr 2011 10:01a.m.

Erm... wrote:

"I do not see how it could possibly be disrespectful to anyone's religion," says director Warren Powell.

Mr Powell, you have shown in that one statement that you have no concept of what is going on in the world. You are just a selfish, self-serving person.

20 Apr 2011 09:56a.m.

Barney wrote:

Cantab has definitely got a point mocking Christianity is the easy one. Come on Hell's Pizza I dare you have a go at the Muslims and the Gays.

20 Apr 2011 09:12a.m.

Ruz wrote:

At least Hell Pizza and the Church have a sense of humour. I am sure that God would be amused.

20 Apr 2011 08:58a.m.

Cantab wrote:

I bet if Hell pizza did one of their ads on Muslims or Gay people it would be taken down in 2 seconds!! lol