Madonna under fire over mock crucifixion
Cross to bear: Madonna has sparked a furious reaction with this pose
Religious groups have reacted furiously after Madonna appeared hanging from a cross and wearing a crown of thorns during her latest world tour.
During her performance at the Los Angeles forum, Madonna appeared strapped to a 20 foot high crucifix, prompting outrage from Christian leaders.
A Church of England spokesman said: "Is Madonna prepared to take on everything else that goes with wearing a crown of thorns?
"And why would someone with so much talent seem to feel the need to promote herself by offending so many people?"
David Muir of the Evangelical Alliance told the Evening Standard: "It is downright offensive. Madonna's use of Christian imagery is an abuse and it is dangerous.
"The Christian reaction to this sort of thing tends to be tempered but if the same thing was done with the imagery and iconography of other faiths the reaction woulld be very different."
During last night's performance, the Material Girl also mocked Prime Minister Tony Blair and US President George Bush in a video montage by juxtaposing their images against those of dictators Osama bin Laden, ****** and Robert Mugabe.
She also directed an insult at President Bush with a joke about oral ***.
It is not the first time Madonna has upset religious groups and political leaders.
In 1989, the Vatican wanted her banned from performing in Italy after it deemed her video for Like A Prayer as blasphemous.
Madonna will be performing in Britain in July and August and fans are expected to pay up to £200 for a ticket.
Madonna under fire over mock crucifixion
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