Real or fake? Kickstarter campaign tackles Shroud

The Shroud of Turin, believed by many to be the burial cloth of Jesus discovered after his resurrection, is attracting new attention in Southern California from experts across the scientific, medical, and faith communities. To fast-track four new initiatives on what may be the most studied and controversial historical relic of all time, the Shroud Center of Southern California has just launched an innovative Kickstarter Campaign.

Is the Shroud of Turin fake or is it real? Over the last 15 years, significant technological advances have provided experts with new tools to test remarkable theories regarding the shroud’s authenticity. Integrating science, art, history, faith, and medicine, the Shroud of Turin is believed by many to be the most studied relic in the world.

The Kickstarter Campaign for the Shroud Center will—for many—enhance the powerful intellectual exercise on the history and science of the shroud. For others, this in-depth review will ignite a deeply-moving spiritual experience. But after many years of scientific study on the origins of the tattered burial cloth, August Accetta, M.D., a Southern California physician, is convinced it’s no hoax.

“It’s absurd to think that God gave us this image of his Son on the shroud,” said Dr. Accetta. “But I believe there’s more evidence for the authenticity of the shroud than any other single relic in history.”

The Shroud of Turin, a 14-foot piece of ancient cloth that appears to have been wrapped around the front and back of a male body, features a mysterious 3D image. Blood stains, water stains, and burn marks also appear on the shroud. So to enrich deeper understanding about these exciting scientific advances, the Kickstarter Campaign for the Shroud Center of Southern California will help fund four new initiatives this fall:

1. Mobile Exhibit. The Shroud Center is creating a full-size mobile scientific and artistic exhibit to bring this expansive story to schools, churches, and community organizations.

2. ShroudCenter.com – The Shroud Center is expanding the ShroudCenter.com website to become the No. 1 destination for learning about the Shroud. Each year, “Shroud of Turin,” keywords are googled 5.9 million times!

3. Museum Exhibits. The Shroud Center will be creating new educational exhibits at the current museum home, located at the Santiago Retreat Center in Orange County, Calif. Every 12 months, over 10,000 students receive a hands-on, interactive shroud presentation.

4. Symposiums at Cathedral Cultural Center. The Shroud Center will also be hosting special events featuring international experts and their research on the Shroud of Turin. The first symposium will be Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, at 9 a.m., with shroud expert and author, Ian Wilson.

To participate in the Kickstarter Campaign, visit:   kickstarter.com/projects/shroudcenter/california-shroud-of-turin-center

For more information on The Shroud Center of Southern California, visit: shroudcenter.com/