Da Vinci Code filming divisive

The front view of Lincoln's Anglican cathedral

British churches are divided over whether to allow filming of The Da Vinci Code, an adaptation of Dan Brown's biblically revisionist megaseller.

The novel has drawn strong protests from the Roman Catholic Church, and the movie version has fanned whispers of discontent in Lincoln, where Tom Hanks and the crew were filming Tuesday last.

The head of Lincoln's Anglican cathedral, Rev. Alec Knight, conceded that the novel was "far-fetched and heretical" and defended the decision to allow filming. The cathedral in central England accepted a reported $180,000 to double as Westminster Abbey in the Ron Howard-directed film.

"It has clearly touched the public imagination, and the church needs to open up a debate about it rather than throw one's hands up and walk away from it," Knight said.

Brown's fictional thriller follows professor Robert Langdon as he investigates the murder of an elderly member of an ancient society that guards dark secrets about the quest for the Holy Grail and the story of Jesus Christ. The book's mix of code-breaking, art history, religion and mystical lore has helped it sell 25 million copies since it was published two years ago.

Westminster Abbey, the 1,000-year-old London edifice where British monarchs are crowned and buried -- and whose Chapter House is featured in the book -- turned down an approach from producers earlier this year, saying it would be "inappropriate" to allow filming.

Other Anglican institutions have been more welcoming. Winchester Cathedral in Southern England has given permission for filming to take place later this year, as has Rosslyn Chapel near Edinburgh.

Source: AP