Christian Filmmaker Faces Discrimination Claim After Being Barred From Documenting Historic Pilgrimage Route
Northumberland,England – A U.K.-based Catholic filmmaker is alleging discrimination after being denied permission to film a documentary about a significant early Christian pilgrimage route, raising concerns about the accessibility of religious heritage sites in England. Christian Holden was commissioned earlier this year to create a film focusing on St. Cuthbert‘s Way, a 62-mile trek from Melrose Abbey to Lindisfarne, adn the 7th-century Anglo-Saxon monk and bishop, St. Cuthbert.
The documentary was intended to explore st.Cuthbert’s Way, which includes St. Cuthbert’s cave – believed to be the initial burial site of the saint in 687 A.D., and historically used by monks to protect his remains during Viking raids. Holden sought filming permission from the National Trust, the institution responsible for preserving past sites and natural landscapes across the united Kingdom.
However, the National Trust ultimately refused his request, citing a policy against ”religious affiliation.” The reasoning behind the denial remains unclear, with the Trust not specifying weather the decision stemmed from the project’s religious focus or Holden’s personal beliefs.
voice for Justice UK, a Christian human rights organization representing Holden, believes the refusal constitutes discrimination under the Equality Act of 2010, which protects religion as a legally protected characteristic.
“The refusal raises troubling questions,” stated a representative for Voice for Justice UK. “The refusal comes in the wake of wider public debate about the Trust’s direction and priorities. The organization has been criticized in recent years for sidelining Christian heritage in its public programming and internal culture.”
The National Trust has stated it is indeed now reviewing Holden’s case. In a statement provided to Premier Christian News, the organization said, “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.”
The case highlights a growing debate surrounding the presentation of Christian heritage at National Trust properties and raises questions about equal access for filmmakers documenting religious history and traditions.
