Church decries use of rosaries as jewelry

LONDON, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- Roman Catholic leaders in England and Wales say that rosary beads are an important religious symbol, not a fashion accessory.

The BBC says that stores report sales of the beads have skyrocketed since Britney Spears and soccer superstar David Beckham were photographed wearing them.

Father Allen Morris pointed out that the beads include a crucifix and that the cross is "an instrument of torture." He asked why the fashionable do not wear an electric chair instead.

The church has issued a leaflet that details the use of rosary beads as an aid to prayer. Morris, secretary of the department for Christian life and worship, said that those that buy them as jewelry are not being deliberately wicked but are misguided.