A LEADING Redbridge vicar has launched a scathing attack on Channel Four after they broadcast two "outrageously offensive" TV shows about Christianity.

Rev Robert Hampson, of South Woodford's Holy Trinity Church, said new series ‘Christianity, A History’ was a full-scale attack on "the mother religion of this land" and amounted to a form of "cultural suicide."

He is so angry at the portrayal of his faith he has even offered to write his own TV show to help "redeem" the programme-makers.

"I do feel outraged by it," he said.

"It presents a facile, inaccurate, and badly research appraisal of the story of Christianity, and some of their interviewees seem to imply that Christians are universally Jew-hating which is just not true.

"It would not have been broadcast in this way if the subject matter was about Islam or Judaism. They are like cowards, attacking the religion least likely to respond."

Rattled programme-makers at Channel Four have been quick to down-play Rev Hampson’s comments about the show, which is currently mid-series.

They say the "challenging" episodes each present a range of religious viewpoints and aims to be thought-provoking.

But Rev Hampson said: "I have four degrees, three in theology. I could quite easily write an historically accurate and acute programme. I would like to give them the chance to redeem themselves.

"I don’t want to be negative. I feel we should be positive about Britain and our roots, but society is crumbling and breaking down and we need to defend the culture and values of our mother faith.

"I think that it’s become popular now to pour scorn on the religious roots of our country. It’s like an adolescent who is rebelling against their parents."

A spokesman for Channel Four said: "This is a series of authored films from high profile commentators with each presenter bringing their own perspective to pivotal moments in the history of Christianity.

"It’s a considered, challenging series that offers alternative views on the world’s largest religion.

"The series includes a number of perspectives and insights from both Christians and non-Christians but Christian views are represented in every programme."