LONDON -- An ecumenical church group is urging pastors to stop attacking the popular fictional character Harry Potter and instead use the young wizard to spread the gospel.
A new booklet published by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland cites J.K. Rowling's best-selling books as a good way of illustrating important themes like the battle between good and evil, according to The Associated Press.
The Harry Potter books "ask people to look again at the selfish material world and the presence within it of Christian values - truth, love and, supremely, self-giving and sacrifice," according to the booklet. The booklet accompanies a book on mission entitled "Presence and Prophesy."
Rowling's books, which have sold millions of copies worldwide, have been attacked by some Christians in Britain and the United States as a dangerous influence on children because of their focus on wizards and magic.
The second Potter film, ``Harry Potter and Chamber of Secrets,' opens in cinemas in Britain and the United States on Nov. 15, according to the AP.
