CHRISTIANS from different churches and organisations came out to protest against a musical they described as depraved and offensive.

Protesters from Wood Farm Church were gathered with placards outside the New Theatre in George Street, Oxford, which is showing Jerry Springer The Opera this week.

Church minister David Bartrip said: "In it Jesus is in nappies, he fouls his nappies, it suggests he is a bit queer. Mary says that God raped her. God is mocked and looked on as some old man who's got no say in matters.

"We believe in free speech, but when it becomes a licence to bring depravity and offence to other people then we think a line should be drawn."

Christians from other churches were also handing out leaflets as theatregoers arrived on Monday night, with about a dozen protesters there in total.

Rob McCafferty, who lives in Bicester and attends Oxford Community Church, said: "We did not realise how many other people would be here. It is really amazing. It shows how strong people feel about it."