CBCP: Avoid giving 'angry bird' gifts

MANILA, Philippines - Giving of “angry toys” to children as Christmas presents is inconsistent with the season’s message of love and peace, a prominent Roman Catholic bishop said, apparently referring to the popular “angry birds” computer game that has inspired toy makers.

“Gifts should be in line with Christmas. Christmas is all about love…give something that enhances love because if it enhances anger, that is not good,” Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Media Office director Monsignor Pedro Quitorio III said yesterday.

Other bishops have also been appealing against gifting children with toys that promote violence like toy weapons.

“I have been negative towards that (giving toy guns) because of its possible bad effects on children,” Bishop Joel Baylon, chairman of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Youth, said.

“Parents should act like censors here. They should be more careful in providing gifts to children,” he said, adding that allowing children to play violent games would have long-term effects on their values.

“There are other things we can provide that are worthwhile,” he said.

Baylon suggested giving children books and other educational gifts.

Baylon said parents and even godparents have “become so desensitized” that they do not realize the bad effect of gifting children with toy weapons.

The Church official also called on young Catholics to celebrate the “real essence” of Christmas through “sharing and giving.”

“We give gifts at Christmas to celebrate the birth of Christ and His gift to us of eternal life through his life, death and resurrection,” he said.