JESUS has until the end of the week to pack up and leave a Baptist Church in the US.
Red Bank Baptist Church in Lexington, South Carolina has voted to remove a statue of Christ after 11 years, because they believe it to be "too Catholic" in nature.
The hand-carved, two-metre (7ft) white statue shows the Messiah with his outstretched, while accompanying reliefs depict images from his life, death and resurrection.
'Too Catholic'
But in a letter to its artist Bert Baker Jr this week, Pastor Jeff Wright said the art would be removed by May 31 so as not to "confuse" the local Baptist congregation.
The letter reads: “We have discovered that there are people that view the art as too Catholic in nature.
"We understand that this is not a Catholic icon, however, people perceive it in these terms.
"As a result, it is bringing into question the theology and core values of Red Bank Baptist Church."
Mr Baker, a former member of Red Bank's congregation himself, was commissioned to create the statue in 2007.
The original letter, which a friend of the artist posted online, said Baker had until Thursday, May 31 to remove the art if he wanted to keep it. If not, it would be destroyed.
In a response letter, Mr Baker explained the meaning behind the statue, saying it was meant to show Red Bank Baptist took pride in reaching out to other Christian congregations.
“This is why Christ is represented as though he is stepping outside of the building, not just confined to the idleness of inner walls,” he wrote.
“Under each arm, the reliefs depict scriptural and historical events that we as Christians believe represent the life of Christ".
Mr Baker added that the reason given for the statue's removal made no sense, as a large sign in front of the building identified it as a Baptist Church.
"I was obedient to my Lord in creating it and after much prayer I must respectfully decline to take part in its removal," he said.
Other churches have reached out about acquiring the art, Mr Baker said, but he has not heard from Red Bank beyond the original letter.
It remains to be seen whether Thursday's deadline for the removal of the art stands.
