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Anti-Catholic bias marks Florida art show

Comments: 35

, Jun 6, 2005 / 12:00 am (CNA).- The Catholic League is demanding that an image of Pope Benedict XVI surrounded by swastikas be removed from a Florida art exhibit at the Broward Art Guild. The New York-based national organization argues that the piece should be removed because it is offensive to Catholics. The league says the action would be justified since another art piece considered offensive to homosexuals had been previously removed.

Catholic League president William Donohue said he was alerted to the issues regarding the art exhibit, called Controversy, May 31.

The Sun Sentinel had reported May 27 that one of the artists, Michael Friedman, had complained to Mary Becht, director of the Broward County Department of Cultural Affairs, about an entry by Alfred Phillips, depicting President George Bush being sodomized.

Becht agreed and told the guild’s director, Susan Buzzi, to move it to “a less prominent space within the gallery.”

It was subsequently “set near a corner of the gallery facing the wall.”

“The irony,” said Donohue, “is that Friedman’s own contribution was allowed to stand: it shows Pope Benedict XVI surrounded by swastikas.”

In a letter to Becht May 31, which Donohue both faxed and mailed, he wrote: “I would like to see equal treatment afforded the anti-Catholic art of Michael Friedman that you gave to the work by Alfred Phillips.”

Donohue said he left a message June 2 for Becht to call him with a response to his letter. She said she never received the letter, even though someone in her office had signed for the delivery June 1.

So Donohue faxed the letter again, and received what he describes as “an evasive letter that refused to come to grips with the request that I made.”

As a result, Donohue said, he is taking matters further and writing to the Broward County Commissioners; Broward Cultural Affairs Council Members; Broward County Administrator; President, Greater Ft. Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau; Florida Arts Council Members; Secretary of State.

“The duplicity is sickening: gay bashing is out but Catholic bashing is in,” said Donohue. “That’s the message being sent and that is why justice must be done.”

Comments: 35

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Ryan Decosta
New York 06/18/2009 12:18 AM EST

“Irena’s Vow” is an extraordinary Broadway play that has a special appeal to Catholics and Jews. It is the real-life story of a Polish Catholic housekeeper, Irena Gut Opdyke, who hid twelve Jewish refugees in the house of a German major during the Holocaust. There is no greater testimony to the faith than this heroic venture. It was Irena’s deep love for Catholicism that allowed her to demonstrate her love to these Jewish men and women in need.

Ryan Decosta

Fort Lauderdale Real Estate

Published by: kpio
Miami 01/30/2008 12:57 PM EST

I wonder if there would be an outrage if this "artist" were to put the Koran in a bottle of urine? Or if this "artist" were to depict the prophet Mohammed covered in dog feces? Or maybe a cartoon of the prophet Mohammed with a bomb strapped to his chest? Hmmm...Nah, there would be not outrage there, right?

Published by: Shaun
Ohio 08/11/2005 02:54 PM EST

In response to Lucille Wheeler's comments. Mrs. Wheeler, there are many things destroying our country, but you cannot place the blame on one group of people. As a homosexual male I do not participate in anything even remotely homosexual. I am made in the image and likeness of God just as we all are and he loves me and Jesus is my savior and died for my sins, too. I do not know why I am the way I am, but I remain celebate and also remain faithful to the magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church. I am trying not to take your comments as a personal attack, but please realize that we are not all bad. Please do not lump people together as though they are all the same. I would hope that we don't do that with other denominations, other races, men, women, etc. Please try not to do it to all gay people either. If nothing else, pray for us, please, as some of us pray for everyone else including the country we love so much. Dominus Vobiscum.

Published by: Nandasaba
kenya,Africa 08/10/2005 03:58 AM EST

It is a pity that those people who 'brought' the christian faith to africa are currently not only failing to practice it but also fighting the few people who are trying to closely follow christ(eg portraying the pope negatively,legalising abortion and homosexuality etc).This is a time that africans should be thinking of Re-evangelising the west

Published by: owen
Ontario Canada 08/06/2005 07:59 PM EST

It's hard to get more of an oxymoron than this:

"The repressive Catholic League and its president ...should stop its censorship of free, creative expression."

If the statement were not so foolish it might make a person laugh. The person calling for for freedom of expression demands, to that end that another voice be censored.

Published by: Gary Stephen May
Mayaguez Puerto Rico 07/24/2005 10:07 AM EST

MICHAEL FRIEDMAN: For all your preaching, you forgot one thing: For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if you don't forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:14-15) I don't believe you would have had the maturity to believe if the Hitler Youth was the right decision, let alone when this was being forced by the German Govt. at the time. What I found distatsteful was how the new Pope had time to bless a bunch of Ferrari cars.

Published by: C. Wharton
Vancouver, Canada 07/23/2005 07:16 AM EST

Hopefully, our society is beginning to weary of the "freedom of speech" argument used ad nauseum to defend art from which nothing truly helpful can result. In this instance the artist, Michael Friedman, is quick to use the Blblical reference of "motes found in eyes", etc., but, as so often is the case, fails to recognize that this mote equally exists in his own in order to have produced the art he did.

I still hope that that very soon our galleries will become more responsible in their selection of what will be publicly displayed as more importance should be given to the well known phrase,
"a picture is worth a thousand words". We are powerfully affected by what we see, possibly even more than by what we read, and we are given a choice as to our reading material, This is not the
case with an art show as we are never fully certain of what we will be forced to view and rely upon others who have attended to inform us. Sadly, our public galleries have lost the trust of responsible parents. Truly, the onus is much more on the part
of the art establishment and it's selection committees to make "sensible" choices for public viewing rather than on the part of individual artists. More care must be shown in this way if we are to realize an increase in family attendance in what was once a favourite weekend activity.

Published by: Randall Matke
Kensington MD USA 07/22/2005 11:35 AM EST

It's the height of hypocrisy to complain about others "not respecting the rules of the forum" while blatantly posting obscenities in Spanish hoping that the moderator doesn't understand. But then, hypocrisy and dishonesty are the stock in trade of the politically correct neo-totalitarians. It is not my intention to be abusive or insulting, but to call attention to the standards posted at the bottom of the page. (Moderator: I am referfing to the post of Yvon Thiverge dated 6/8/2005 at 3PM. I would prefer not to have to translate the last 3 words of the post, which were directed at someone from Latin America whom one can presume would understand the gutter-level insult.)

Published by: Anne O'Hara
Ireland 07/22/2005 11:28 AM EST

What on earth has this image to do with art?

Published by: MICHAEL FRIEDMAN
SOUTH FLORIDA 07/14/2005 11:32 AM EST

I am the artist who both complained about the painting of Bush being sodomized by a radical Muslim terrorist, and the artist who created the digital piece of Pope Benedict's historical background as a member of the Hitler Youth. How sad! So many 'righteous' catholics demeaning me as an artist[without ever having the moral fortitude to say these things to me, or even having the intelectual integrity to view the art in question]. Go figure! Lastly, my Messiah Jesus [that's right - MY MESSIAH!] also said, 'Remove the mote from thy eye...' I'm sure you know the rest. Fact: Benedict admitted his involvement with the Hitler Youth Movement. Fact: Nazi's killed millions of Jewish people. Fact: This website fosters hate under the guise of G-D's Righteousness. Fact: "Unless you repent of your sins you'll not see the Kingdom of G-D!"

Published by: Lila Espinosa
Devils Lake (ugh!), ND 06/11/2005 03:32 PM EST

Michael Tischuk from Riverton NJ has it right! To follow in the footsteps of Jesus is to suffer and tp pray, "Father forgive them." Those that work for the Devil are headed for Hell. We must pray for their salvation.

Published by: Yvon Thivierge
SSM Ontario Canada 06/08/2005 03:00 PM EST

Miroslav Grubelic would do better in stopping his personal insults and abiding by the rules of the forum. ¿Eres un coño?

Published by: Margaret McConnell
Covington, LA 06/08/2005 11:13 AM EST

Such "artists" do not dare to slander Muslims as Pope Benedict is being slandered; it would cause riots all over the world. So much for "free creative expression." And what is creative about this? Just old hackneyed "epater les bourgeois" stuff that's been around forever under the guise of art when one really has no gift for art itself. Just get your name known even if only for being "in your face." Sad. Does the artist have a child or parent they would want portrayed as Pres. Bush was?

Published by: REV MICHAEL HINKEN
ASHLAND, MAINE 06/08/2005 06:16 AM EST

OUR AMERICAN SOCIETY TREASURES FREEDOM OF SPEECH WHICH INHERENTLY FOSTERS A PLURALISTIC RELIGIOUS CULTURE. BUT WHEN FREE SPEECH SUBBVERTS THE INTEGRITY OF INDIVIDUAL CULTURAL ELEMENTS IN THE NAME OF ARTISTIC LICENSE, IT IS IN ESSENCE, A FUNDAMENTAL ATTACK ON FREEDOM. THE DIALOGUE THAT ENSUES IS THE TRUE HEART OF FREE SPEECH. THEREFORE IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THE DEFENDING VOICE OF THE CATHOLIC LEAGUE WOULD SEEM PREJUDICED OR REPRESSIVE ONLY TOWARD THOSE WHO CANNOT BEAR WITH FREEDOM.

Published by: REV MICHAEL HINKEN
ASHLAND, MAINE 06/08/2005 06:16 AM EST

Published by: Michael Tischuk
Riverton NJ 06/08/2005 05:43 AM EST

It's a great honor for the Catholic Church to be victum of this false witness of being associated with Nazis and murderers. Was not Christ also falsely accused, tortured and murdered for the political benefit of others? While I applaud those who fight against such injustice and narrow minded criticisms of those who would also choose to use false criticisms for their own political benefit, just remember what is going on here, the Church is following in the steps of her Master, and that is a good thing.

Published by: Jack
Enfield, Connecticut USA 06/08/2005 05:03 AM EST

Thanks for speaking up. It is frightening what is going on in the world today. Anything goes.

Published by: Annamaria
Phoenix 06/08/2005 03:01 AM EST

This Anti-Catholic garbage goes beyond rude and offensive to all Christians. May God Bless The Catholic League.

Published by: goangod
Australia 06/08/2005 01:32 AM EST

Maybe we Catholics should riot in the streets, burn some buses and kill people. Perhaps then we'll get an apology.

Published by: C.Schartner
Geraldton Australia 06/07/2005 10:34 PM EST

I dont believe this is an attack on the Popes nationality but rather an ATTACK on his beliefs, what he stands for and the Catholic Church. I quote from(Heb13:b)My Church "who is the same yesturday, today, and forever" In other words "Know that it is not the Gospel that should be adapted to you {Christians of today} but you to the Gospel"
Men and Women of today have lost the ability to show charity and faith in each other as humanbeing. Just as Hitler and his Nazi regime displayed to millions of innocent people destroying lives and implementing racisms that would last for decades to come.

Published by: Anita Restivo
Boca Raton,Fl. USA 06/07/2005 10:18 PM EST

How dare they be so disrespectful to Pope Benedict XVI. They would never be allowed to do that to any other religious leader. It is NOT politically correct to slur Catholics or their leadership, though the world would seem to be promoting this message. I feel very sorry for anyone that has an anti Catholic agenda, they are truly showing their ignorance and lack of respect.

Published by: Lucille Wheeler
Mount Airy, Maryland 06/07/2005 08:46 PM EST

This so called art of Pope Benedict, is a disgrace. Gay.s are what is destroying our country not people of faith. The Catholic Church will be in existance long after you liberal communists are forgotten.

A faithful Christian and Roman Catholic.

Published by: Al De'cruz
Singapore 06/07/2005 08:04 PM EST

Anti-Catholics/Christians are bullies and cowards simply because they know there will be no reprisals - their lives and property will not be harmed in any way.

Published by: Tricia
USA 06/07/2005 12:21 PM EST

To: Yvon Thivierge
Can you justify your 'racist' remark? Seems to me that your anger is mis-directed. Thank God for the CL and all that they do! May many blessings befall them!

Published by: Carol Stysiack
Lindenhurst, NY 06/07/2005 12:06 PM EST

Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI was NEVER a Nazi. In fact, he and his family had to endure the evils of Nazism. To portray him as a Nazi is a blatant lie and is ruining the reputation of a good and holy man, who happens to be Catholic.

Published by: Gary
San Francisco 06/07/2005 11:49 AM EST

Broward County Art show bashes Pope Benedict XVI. Gee WHIZ!! This Donohue guy is a true soldier for Christ... Are we members of the Catholic League? love, b and n

Published by: Raven Wenner
Houston Texas 06/07/2005 11:38 AM EST

The (multiracial) Catholic League is considered "repressive" in exercizing the right of free speech? I guess a protest against anti-Catholic hatecrime in the guise of "art" is not considered "free, creative" expression, and, logically, "tolerant" people can justify intolerance of it.

Published by: Patricia Enk
Mobile, AL USA 06/07/2005 10:57 AM EST

An image of Pope Benedict XVII surrounded by swastikas is itself a vile and slanderous lie as young Joseph Ratzinger and his family hated the Nazis, moving frequently to avoid them. Joseph himself, after forced conscription in the military, risking death by running away from them. Broward Art Guild should be ashamed.

Published by: Julie Eldridge
Winder/Georgia/USA 06/07/2005 09:28 AM EST

I pray that anyone who loves the Lord Jesus will find the display of this horrible 'artwork' offensive to all of Christianity. Whatever happened to 'Thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor'. This type of hatred and tolerance of it is why there is no peace in the world. Long Live The Holy Father

Published by: Julie Eldridge
Winder/Georgia/USA 06/07/2005 09:28 AM EST

Published by: ANNE THOMAS
IRELAND 06/07/2005 09:13 AM EST

I am delighted to see that you are taking up the cause for Roman Catholics. If it were Muslim or another religion there would be an uproar about it . I have notice that R.C. are fair game with all kinds or media and it is time to redress the balance.

Published by: Sir Joel Hemingway
Arlington, VA 06/07/2005 08:45 AM EST

To allow Anti-Catholic bigotry to remain while anti-homosexual art is removed because it offends one zip code of militant gays while almost 70 million Roman Catholics have this latest Anti-Catholic garbage thrown in their face by a bigot disgust me. It is about time responsible individuals in position of authority start respecting the sensitivities of not just one select group of people, but ALL people who are offended by bigotry. This Anti-Catholic bigotry at Broward Art Guild deeply offends me as a Roman Catholic. Members of my family died in many wars to defend this country. This Anti-Catholic hatred projected toward me and them is to spit and trample on their graves for the life they gave their country. I am outraged, disgusted and offended by swastikas attached to an image of the Holy Father. I am as angry as I have ever been by this latest Anti-Catholic hatred by an individual you defend in your art show. Take it down or close this disgusting offense to Catholics! Sir Joel Hemingway

Published by: Kathy Kernan
Utica, NY, USA 06/07/2005 07:36 AM EST

I am an artist and value visual symbols, However the picture described goes beyond rude and offensive ...If this were an Islamic Image there would be anInternational OUTCRY.

Published by: Miroslav Grubelic
Caracas, Venezuela 06/06/2005 07:32 PM EST

How about if commentator Yvon Thivierge is depicted being sodomized or having her phoptograph surrounded by swastikas? Will she hang either of these in her home and call it art, a product of "free, creative expression"?
The world is upside down.

Published by: Yvon Thivierge
SSM Ontario Canada 06/06/2005 01:47 PM EST

The repressive Catholic League and its president is racist and should stop its censorship of free, creative expression.

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