Top > Business > 2005 > December > 2005-12-12

Jesus wouldn`t shop at Wal Mart

According to union-backed critics of Wal-Mart Stores has unveiled a religious-themed campaign asking shoppers whether God wants them to buy things from the retail giant. Wal-Mart workers are not allowed to join or organize unions. The 30-second ad, which starts with a picture of a Bible, begins Friday in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky Oklahoma and Texas.

A group funded by the United Food and Commercial Workers union and which is opposed to the ads released a letter signed by 65 clergy and religious members and launched a TV ad. The group says Wal-Mart harms families and communities due to their policies including wages and health benefits.

The letter from religious leaders says Jesus would not embrace Wal-Mart`s values of greed and profits at any cost. The ads probably can be expected to ad to the debate and somewhat scandalized materialization of the holiday season, which in the past was more about miracles than sales.