Religious leaders take issue with Madonna concert in Singapore

 

News website Channel News Asia reported that eight pastors,representing a variety of Protestant denominations, expressed worries about the possibility of the pop star using lyrics and stage props that might offend Christians at a scheduled meeting with Minister K Shanmugam.

 

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore had also taking issue with the hotly anticipated concert, releasing a statement over the weekend reminding Catholics "not to support those who denigrate and insult religions, including anti-Christian and immoral values promoted by the secular world."

 

The statement added that representations had been made to various ministries and statutory boards.

 

Madonna will be performing in Singapore on February 28 as part of her Rebel Heart tour. It is the first time she has performed in the city state.

 

Her concert has been rated R18 by the Media Development Authority,restricting attendance to only those who are aged 18 and above.

 

"Religiously sensitive content that breach(es) our content guidelines, such as the song Holy Water, shall not be performed in Singapore," the regulator said in a statement, referring to a song featured in Madonna's latest album.

 

Under 20 per cent of Singaporeans are Christian, according to the  most recent census carried out in the country, which was in 2010.

- DPA