The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has criticised the title of the movie A Very Dirty Christmas, describing it as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith.
This was contained in a statement signed on Wednesday by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh.
CAN said the title undermines the spiritual significance of Christmas, which it described as a sacred season marking the birth of Jesus Christ and symbolising purity, peace, love and redemption.
According to the association, linking Christmas with the word “dirty” trivialises a solemn religious observance and reduces it to something crude and sensational.
While acknowledging the importance of creative freedom and artistic expression, CAN stressed that such freedoms must be exercised with responsibility and sensitivity, particularly in a religiously diverse society like Nigeria.
It noted that creativity should foster unity and mutual understanding rather than provoke or offend deeply held religious beliefs.
CAN also expressed concern that the film reportedly passed through regulatory and professional channels without adequate scrutiny.
The Christan body called on the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to explain how the movie title was approved for public exhibition, especially during the Christmas season.
CAN further urged industry bodies, including the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and other stakeholders in Nollywood, to take a firm stand on the use of religious themes and symbols in ways that may offend faith communities.
The association called on the producers and promoters of the film to reconsider the title and issue a public apology, urging the producer, Ini Edo, to show sensitivity by addressing the concerns raised by the Christian community.
It warned that at a time when the country is facing serious moral and social challenges, actions that trivialise sacred values could deepen divisions and erode mutual respect.
CAN reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful engagement, adding that it would continue to speak out whenever the dignity of the Christian faith is undermined in the public space.
