Tutu features on new posters to challenge gushy motifs

A Christian media company has produced a new set of posters with challenging messages from the Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Aung San Suu Kyi and the Dalai Lama.

Twenty-Five Educational has created the posters as an alternative to the "sunsets and puppy dogs" that are a dominant theme in Christian graphics.

The posters feature authorised quotes from the three spiritual leaders alongside their images.

Mark Howard, of Twenty-Five Educational, said churches of all denominations found it difficult to source powerful and challenging posters.

"Sunsets and puppy dogs have graced church walls and noticeboards for decades, and people are crying out for something better, so I thought I'd take the initiative and do it myself," he said.

Mr Howard said he wanted the posters to challenge individuals and act as discussion starters in group situations.

The quote for Archbishop Tutu says: "I am not interested in picking up crumbs of compassion thrown from the table of someone who considers himself my master. I want the full menu of rights."

The quote was made by Archbishop Tutu prior to the end of apartheid in South Africa but Mr Howard said it still had resonance today.

The media group plans to produce support materials in the near future, but is also encouraging people to use the posters creatively within their own contexts.

Permission was also granted by the offices of Aung San Suu Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy on the Thai/Burmese border, and the offices of the Dalai Lama.

The posters are A2 size and are available online at www.base25.com/shop and can be bought individually or as a set.