CANTERBURY Cathedral has hit back at criticism that it is promoting New Age beliefs with an exhibition due to be unveiled on Saturday.

The Evangelical Alliance, a federation of various Christian groups, says artist James Cattell's digital installation in the crypt features Buddhist chanting.

It says that repeated use of the sound "om", regarded as sacred by Buddhists and Hindus, is incompatible with a Christian building.

Although it said it welcomed new art, it added that the use of Buddhist and Hindu elements represented New Age spirituality which had no place at the heart of British Christianity.

But Mr Cattell said his work was not connected to any religion and his use of "om" on a constantly running tape was to signify the human voice without any language.

"It is universally recognised as just a sound and my work does not feature Buddhist chanting," he said. "However, I am pleased with the extra publicity the original story in the Daily Telegraph has given to me and I hope people will come along and see it for themselves."

Christopher Robinson, from the Cathedral, said the Alliance had misinterpreted what the piece of art was about.

"We are giving the installation a home but it is the creation of the artist," he said. "We are not holding Hindu or Buddhist worship in the Cathedral - it is still very much a Christian building."

Mr Cattell's work is called 18:1-7 The Crypt. In addition to the art - which can be seen until Friday, September 13 - there will also be a week of free lectures and workshops by specialists, including Janet Street-Porter - details www.c2atelyst.com or www.canterbury-cathedral.org or by e-mail at c2atelyst@hotmail.com.