Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher deeply disappointed about The Project’s lewd Jesus joke

One of Australia’s leading Catholic figures invited panelists and staff from The Project to come to his church to “better understand” Christian beliefs in the wake of a lewd joke about Jesus that aired.

Backlash against the Channel 10 prime time show is growing after queer comedian Reuben Kaye made an X-rated joke about Jesus’ crucifixion when he appeared as a guest on Tuesday night.

He spoke about the hate he receives from members of the public, and Christians in particular, for being gay and wearing women’s clothing, then quipped, “I love Jesus.” I love any man who can get nailed for three days straight and come back for more!

The shocking gag drew laughter from several panelists, including host Sarah Harris.

She and co-host Waleed Aly issued a slavish apology the following night, which has done little to quell growing calls for the show to be cancelled.

The Archbishop of Sydney, Anthony Fisher, expressed deep disappointment at the ‘inappropriate’ ridicule of Christian beliefs and wrote to the owners of Channel 10, Paramount ANZ.

“Many of us are saddened and bewildered by the shocking comments about the crucifixion of Jesus that aired on The Project earlier this week,” he told worshipers Friday.

“It’s unbelievable that a mainstream TV show mocks the beliefs of more than half of Australians.

‘In this Lenten season, let us continue to do penance for these all-too-common acts of blasphemy, and pray that the eyes of the ignorant may be opened to the life that Christ offers us.’

Archbishop Fisher also shared a copy of the scathing letter he sent inviting The Project’s Paramount ANZ executives, staff and panelists to attend his Easter services at Sydney’s St Mary’s Cathedral next month.

‘During prime time, the guest used the crucifixion of Jesus as a source of ridicule and mockery. Presented as a ‘joke’, the crude comment was sexual in nature and highly inappropriate,” Archbishop Fisher wrote.

“Worryingly, the slur not only went unchallenged, but was even backed up with hearty laughs from panel members.

“For a ‘news and current affairs’ show to so flagrantly mock the beliefs of more than half of Australians is extremely disturbing and frankly unbelievable.”

The Archbishop of Sydney, Anthony Fisher (pictured), wrote a scathing letter to Channel 10 and the owners of Paramount ANZ to express his sadness and deep disappointment over the segment.

He added that the hosts’ follow-up apology seemed “forced and insincere.”

“One gets the impression that the panelists are ignorant or indifferent to the harm they have done not only to Christians but to people of faith across the country,” Archbishop Fisher wrote.

“Furthermore, the apology was not posted on The Project’s Facebook page, but the video clip containing the offending comments is still available for viewing.”

“Anyone who watched The Project on Tuesday night is clear that those who hold traditional Christian beliefs are treated with such contempt by many within the media.”

Archbishop Fisher ended the letter by inviting network and program staff to attend the Good Friday or Easter Sunday service to “fully experience the reverence Christians have for Jesus Christ.”

“Perhaps members of The Project have little understanding of the Easter season and why attacks on one of the most sacred symbols of our faith are so offensive,” he added.

The Lebanese Muslim Association also condemned the program.

“We call on everyone, and in particular, public figures like Reuben Kaye, who left the producers of Network Ten The Project red in the face, to respect and show tolerance for one another, regardless of their religious beliefs,” the letter wrote. organization.

“As a civilized society, we call on the Australian government to enshrine the sanctity of religion from such derogatory and blasphemous statements that only serve to denigrate people’s faith, belief and principles.”

The backlash from Muslims and Christians has been brutal, forcing remorseful co-hosts Waleed Aly (left) and Sarah Harris (right) to issue a humiliating apology on air on Wednesday.

Muslim activists have also organized a protest to be held in Sydney’s Hyde Park on March 18.

Nearly 20,000 Australians have also signed a change.org petition calling for The Project to be removed.

The backlash from Muslims and Christians over the controversial segment was swift and brutal, leading Aly and Harris to apologize for the segment the following night.

“During an interview last night, our guest told a joke that we know was deeply and unnecessarily offensive to many of you,” Aly said ruefully.

‘We want to acknowledge the particular offense it caused our Muslim viewers but especially our Christian viewers.

“Obviously I understand how deep that offense ran.”

Harris, who laughed after the joke, also joined in the humiliating apology.

“Live TV is unpredictable and when this happened in the last moments of last night’s show, it took us all by surprise, there wasn’t a lot of time to react in a considered way,” he said.

Channel 10 has come under fire after queer comedian Reuben Kaye (pictured) made an X-rated joke about Jesus’ crucifixion on The Project.