Brazil's idea to erect Jesus statue meets mirth

LONDON (AP) — Memo to Brazil: That idea of putting up a giant Jesus statue in a London park is not going over well.

Brazil's tourist board floated the notion of erecting a 30-foot (9-meter) replica of Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer statue — a symbol of peace and a well-known landmark of the city. The idea would be to promote the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

The Camden New Journal newspaper first reported that local authorities had been approached to consider the idea of putting up the statue on Primrose Hill, timing it to the London Olympics. Though no formal proposal has been offered, many local residents thought the notion absurd.

Filmmaker Per Tingleff laughed Wednesday at the thought of how the local resident association would react — never mind trying to persuade park governors.

"Good luck with that," he said.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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