Racy Catholic calendar angers Spain church leaders

A Roman Catholic group in Spain came up with a risqué idea to raise money.

Sant Joan: A Roman Catholic youth group in Spain came up with a risqué idea to raise money: pose nearly nude for a calendar recreating scenes from the Passion of Christ.

The group has almost sold out of the EUR 10 (USD 13) 2011 calendars and is considering another print run. But Mallorca`s Bishop Jesus Murgui is blasting the effort as showing disrespect for the most important Catholic date.

"The calendar trivialises Easter," the Bishop`s office said in an e-mail on Friday.

Members of the Davallament Catholic group of young adults say the calendar`s popularity shows they have support.

They paid EUR 1,500 for 300 calendars and will use profits to buy material for their work.

Bureau Report