Archbishop: ‘Fifty Shades’ is ‘direct assault’ on marriage

CINCINNATI (AP) -- The Roman Catholic archbishop of Cincinnati is criticizing the "Fifty Shades of Grey" movie as "a direct assault on Christian marriage."

The new movie is based on the best-selling erotic novel that includes bondage, dominance and sadomasochism. Archbishop Dennis Schnurr says in a message to priests and on the archdiocese's Facebook page that the movie is in "direct contrast to the Christian message" about marriage and sexual intimacy.

His statement urges informing people about "the destructive message" of the movie and highlighting "the beauty of God's design for loving relationships between a husband and wife in the bond of marriage."

The Cincinnati Archdiocese comprises 19 counties.

In an Associated Press interview, author E L James describes "Fifty Shades" as "a love story" with "a little bit of kinky sex."

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