LONDON (RNS) British church leaders have roundly condemned the prominent use of a Christian symbol in the refurbishment of a popular nightclub in Aberdeen, Scotland.

Charlie's Nightclub has reopened as The Cross, and uses the cross as the central theme of its decor, with a huge metal cross adorning the main door and mock church notice boards with illuminated crosses.

In a joint statement, church leaders described the use of the cross as offensive and tasteless.

It was difficult to believe that the nightclub's owners would show the same disrespect to the sacred symbols of Muslims or Jews, they added.

"The offensive use of Christianity's most revered symbol, presumably for some perceived commercial advantage, has not been done in ignorance," the church leaders commented.