ASA bans UCKG hurch ad for implying 'blessed oil' cured heart problem

Government / Non-Profit

September 23, 2009

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1 minute

ASA bans UCKG hurch ad for implying 'blessed oil' cured heart problem

LONDON - A poster campaign for the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) which suggests a child's lung and heart defects were cured by 'blessed' oils has been banned by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).

The ad states: ‘My son was born with a heart problem. After a party he started bleeding from the mouth. I rushed him to hospital and the specialist said he had 16 loose arteries. He went into a coma, his heart stopped and both his lungs collapsed. Doctors and specialists expected him to die.'

‘At the UCKG I was given some blessed oil to anoint my son with. Now that his heart and lungs are better I thank the UCKG for all the spiritual support I received.'

The ad was challenged by the British Humanist Association, which claimed the ad was irresponsible and may discourage people from seeking qualified medical advice.

The ASA ruled that the ad should not appear again in its current form.

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