From the "You Can't Make This Stuff Up" Department
Father Markus Bomhard, who resides in Germany, is being sued by Playmobil, the famous toymakers. Why? Because he used the toys to recreate scenes straight out of the Bible to teach little kids. Father Bomhard took photos of the scenes and created a now defunct website (probably due to the current legal action) he called PlaymoBibel (his spelling, not mine) to display the pictures and use them as teaching aids.
Playmobil is not grateful for the publicity and claims that trademark issues prevent Father Bomhard from using the name Playmobil. The Daily Telegraphs reports that Playmobil were also "horrified that the scenes could offend people of other religion.” In addition, Playmobil did not appreciate that Father Bomhard redesigned the characters with clothing to change their appearance.
Playmobil is responding by claiming that their main issue is really about the disfiguration of the characters. Father Bomhard admitted he did have to melt down some of the figures to achieve the looks he wanted. Playmobil is concerned that children will attempt to deform their figurines and get hurt in the process. Ok, valid point there. They are said to be working on a compromise with Father Bomhard to figure out a way to use the characters without disfiguring them. I assume that when some sort of peace has been reached between the priest and the toy manufacturer that his website will go live again.
I do think it's ironic, however, that Playmobil let it slip they don't want to offend other religions. If that's the case, then perhaps they should consider not selling their nativity scenes and Noah's Ark playsets.
Oh, and here is a similar website that uses Playmobil toys to teach the Bible.
http://www.examiner.com/x-1146-Seattle-Eastside-Parenting-Examiners~y2009m4d8-Playmobil-sues-German-priest-for-using-toys-to-recreate-Biblical-scenes
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