A CINEMA’S decision to ban a church advert featuring the Lord’s Prayer “undermines freedom”, according to a leading Essex clergyman.

The Rt Rev Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford, criticised the decision by Digital Cinema Media during a debate in the House of Lords.

The 60-second advert from the Church of England was due to be shown before screenings of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which will be released on December 18.

The advert was cleared by regulators, but the Odeon, Cineworld and Vue chains, responsible for 80 per cent of cinema screenings nationwide, have refused to show it.

Digital Cinema Media, which handles advertising for the chains, said it has a policy of not running adverts “connected to personal beliefs, specifically those related to politics or religion”.

It added: “Our members have found that showing such advertisements carries the risk of upsetting, or offending, audiences.”

Critics of the decision have included Prime Minister David Cameron and prominent atheist Richard Dawkins.

Speaking in the Lords, Bishop Stephen, who represents all of Essex and East London, said: “We very much welcome the support from Number 10 and other ministers, and indeed from Richard Dawkins and Stephen Fry, who are not usually people who support the Church of England.

“Digital Cinema Media, by banning this advertisement, has narrowed the opportunities for beliefs and values to be spoken about in the public square, which risks undermining some of the values and freedoms that most of us spend the rest of our time seeking to promote, not least the freedom to be offended.”

In response, communities minister, Baroness Williams of Trafford, supported the bishop’s comments.

She said: “The Government wholeheartedly support the freedom of expression and support faith and faith institutions in this country.

“The Government greatly value the vital role that religious individuals and organisations have in our society, and the part that they play in national life and public service.”