How's this for religious intolerance?

[strictlybroadband]

New York - once the home of freedom...

http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wir ... id=2995983

NEW YORK Mar 31, 2007 (AP)? A planned Holy Week exhibition of a nude, anatomically correct chocolate sculpture of Jesus Christ was canceled Friday after Cardinal Edward Egan and other outraged Catholics complained.

The "My Sweet Lord" display was shut down by the hotel that houses the Lab Gallery in midtown Manhattan. Roger Smith Hotel president James Knowles cited the public outcry for his decision.

The reaction "is crystal clear and has brought to our attention the unintended reaction of you and other conscientious friends of ours to the exhibition," Knowles wrote in the two-paragraph cancellation notice.

Matt Semler, the gallery's creative director, resigned in protest.

The six-foot sculpture was the victim of "a strong-arming from people who haven't seen the show, seen what we're doing," Semler said. "They jumped to conclusions completely contrary to our intentions."

But word of the confectionary Christ infuriated Catholics, including Egan, who described it as "a sickening display." Bill Donohue, head of the watchdog Catholic League, said it was "one of the worst assaults on Christian sensibilities ever."

The hotel and the gallery were overrun Thursday with angry phone calls and e-mails about the exhibit. Semler said the calls included death threats over the work of artist Cosimo Cavallaro, who was described as disappointed by the decision to cancel the display.

"In this situation, the hotel couldn't continue to be supportive because of a fear for their own safety," Semler said.

The sculpture was to debut Monday evening, the day after Palm Sunday and just four days before Christians mark the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday. The final day of the exhibit was planned for Easter Sunday.

The artwork was created from more than 200 pounds of milk chocolate, and features Christ with his arms outstretched as if on an invisible cross. Unlike the typical religious portrayal of Christ, the Cavallaro creation does not include a loincloth.

Cavallaro hoped the sculpture could go on display elsewhere, according to Semler.

[Sam Slater]

Bunch of loonies the Catholics.

Still, good job it was a chocolate Jesus. Imagine the consequences of a naked chocolate Mohammed in London?

Doesn't bare thinking about *shudder*

[middle_aged_dutchman]

All religious fanatics should be crucified. Or stoned to death. The choice is up to them.

[Steve R]

"......Doesn't bare thinking about.....".


What a splendidly appropriate mis-spelling !happy!

[Arginald Valleywater]

Land of The Free, my arse!

[andy at handiwork]

As God botherers come in all shapes and sizes, check out Louis Theroux on BBC2 9.00 pm Sunday. He covers an American family called the Phelps. These Baptists picket the funerals of soldiers killed in Irag/Afghanistan with placards saying 'Thank God for Dead Soldiers'. The reckon society is so corrupt that anyone who fights under the Stars and Stripes is a 'fag enabler'. 'Thank God for 9/11' is another of theirs.
Doubtless Theroux will affect his usual trick of appearing a bit thick to give these arseholes enough rope to hang themselves. Dont miss it.

[Alex L]

Louis Theroux meets Strictly Broadband would have a certain appeal.

[Sam Slater]

[quote]"......Doesn't bare thinking about.....".


What a splendidly appropriate mis-spelling !happy![/quote]

I only wish I could lie and say it was misspelt purposely, in an ironic manner! !blush!

Oh well, another that slipped through the net! !drink!