In a front-page commentary L’Osservatore Romano said the change reflected a wider effort to “cancel every trace of Christianity from Western culture”.
The BBC has clarified, however, that it has not dropped the use of BC (Before Christ) and AD (Anno Domini, or Year of the Lord) in favour of BCE (Before Common Era) and CE (Common Era).
Even so, the religion page of its website says it prefers BCE and CE, explaining that “in line with modern practice, bbc.co.uk/religion uses BCE/CE as a religiously neutral alternative to BC/AD. As the BBC is committed to impartiality it is appropriate that we use terms that do not offend or alienate non-Christians.” » | JOHN THAVIS | Wednesday, October 05, 2011
