Gruesome Gnome Ornaments at UK Festival Not About Christmas, Says Bishop

Garden gnomes depicting violent acts or that are sexually explicit are being sold at a popular Christmas fair and crafts show in Birmingham, England, which has church leaders and parents upset.

Those angered at organizers for allowing the macabre gnome displays say the family atmosphere at the Frankfurt Christmas Market and Craft Fair is being ruined, according to news reports from the U.K.

The ornaments include some garden gnomes covered in blood, holding severed heads, and hanging from a noose. At the booth, an “adults only” section hidden behind a curtain contains a sexually explicit collection, according to the U.K.’s Sunday Mercury.

“It’s appalling and irresponsible,” said Bishop Joe Aldred from a church in Birmingham. “The message at this time of year should be about peace on earth and not sex and violence.”

“It’s likely that a lot of young people will be going to this event, and it seems wholly inappropriate to have this sort of material on sale. Frankly, I can’t think of anywhere that I would be comfortable with seeing this sort of thing being offered,” Aldred said.

“It’s just not right, it’s completely irresponsible, and certainly not in keeping with Christmas,” he added. To read more, click here.