The National Trust, a prominent heritage organisation, is facing criticism from Voice for Justice UK (VfJUK), a Christian human rights group, after a Catholic filmmaker was allegedly denied permission to film at a site of religious significance.
Christian Holden, a filmmaker with plans to document ‘The Way of St Cuthbert’, encountered resistance when he sought to film at St Cuthbert’s Cave, near Belford, Northumberland. This site, associated with the patron saint of Northumbria, St Cuthbert, is believed to be where his remains were laid to rest in 875 AD.
Despite the historical and cultural relevance of the site, the National Trust, which manages it, reportedly refused Holden’s filming request. The reasons for this decision remain ambiguous, according to VfJUK.
Initially, Holden was informed that filming with “religious affiliation” was against Trust policy. However, a spokesperson later clarified that no formal policy exists regarding religious filming at their properties.
The organisation Voice for Justice UK has expressed concerns that this decision might reflect religious discrimination.
In a statement, VfJUK noted, “VfJUK warns that the wording indicates discrimination and raises troubling questions. The refusal comes in the wake of wider public debate about the Trust’s direction and priorities.
“The organisation has been criticised in recent years for sidelining Christian heritage in its public programming and internal culture.”
The group has further suggested that the Trust’s decision could potentially violate the Equality Act 2010 and has reached out to the Director-General, Hilary McGrady, seeking an explanation and an apology for Holden, alongside “appropriate reparation for the discriminatory decision.”
In response to the concerns, a National Trust spokesperson stated, “We are reviewing what has happened in this case. We welcome everyone to the places in our care and provide space for people to come together and celebrate their culture and heritage.
“We are also proud to look after historic chapels and churches, some of which are still used for worship today, as well as other sites of religious significance. We do not have a formal policy about religious filming at our places.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
