A few days later, the most baffling move by the church occurred. On June 14, the Church of England requested the help of the Japanese people. The Dean of the Cathedral was quoted by the AP saying, “Today I want to appeal directly to the people of Japan to help us put pressure on Sony to respond.”

Why anyone would believe this would draw sympathy is baffling, and shows a complete lack of logic, common sense, or intelligence. He never even states what exactly the Japanese people should do, or why he even chose to ask the Japanese for help with an American developed title.

As was probably expected, British politician and overly vocal anti-video game critic Keith Vaz spoke out to a fellow Parliament member one day after the Japanese request. “Will he join me in condemning Sony for the publication of a new video game that depicts scenes of Manchester cathedral, without the permission of the Church authorities, in a game that is very violent and bloody?”

Through all of this ridiculousness, never is the game's plotline brought up, or the reason why the player is in the church, or the nature of the fight, which is opposing alien invaders.

The final update comes from June 16, in which Sony actually apologizes. The Church of England posted the letter on their website, with this highly important segment quoted here.

We do not accept that there is any connection between contemporary issues of 21st century Manchester and a work of science fiction in which a fictitious 1950’s Britain is under attack by aliens…

The only thing they actually apologize for is that some people were offended, and they shouldn’t have even done that. Nonetheless, the Church is pushing forth, setting up a meeting with Sony to discuss their demands as if they’re holding the company hostage due a single level in a 10-hour-plus game.

This entire fiasco, in its drawn out form, is simply a statement on how ridiculous the violent video game debate has come. Facts are scarce, the media spins their reports to absurd levels, and everyone wants a piece of the $18 billion the industry pulled in by the end of 2006. No one involved with the Cathedral seems to understand how stupid they’re making themselves out to be, and every time they open their mouths, they stand to lose more credibility.

So please, Church of England, give it up. Move on. Most gamers did a few months ago once the game’s initial gloss was dulled. Others will purchase it for the first time thanks to the excellent promotion you've provided.