Replica of the Turin Shroud goes on display

A replica of the Shroud of Turin has gone on display in Lincolnshire.

It is a copy of the original, which is a linen cloth that has been venerated for centuries as the burial shroud used to wrap the body of Jesus after the Crucifixion.

The 4.4m-long (14ft-long) laser replica made about 20 years ago will be on show until 10 August at Crowland Abbey.

Brother John Michael, who has been involved in organising the exhibition, said it was the first time it had been on display in England.

Speaking to the BBC, Brother John, from Templars Today, said: "We use this [replica] to spread the word of Christianity and to give people who may never get the chance to go to Turin [a chance to see it]."

He said it had previously been on show in France, Germany, Italy and Spain.

He added that there were fears the original shroud – which is in Turin Cathedral – could eventually be lost, but the replica provided an opportunity "for the faithful" and the people who "don't believe, but are curious" to experience its wonder.

Templars Today is a community interest company, and Brother John said its aim was to "end hate" and to preserve Christianity and the "wonderful buildings we have".

The exhibition is free, but donations are encouraged for the upkeep of the abbey.

The original shroud is kept at Turin Cathedral.

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