Cardinal asks ‘blasphemous’ artist: Can you do that to your own father?
By Philip C. Tubeza
Philippine Daily Inquirer
10:26 pm Monday, August 8th, 2011
MANILA, Philippines—Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales condemned on Monday the art exhibit at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) depicting a crucifix with a wooden penis and a picture of Jesus Christ with the ears of a rabbit.
Speaking on Church-run Radio Veritas, Rosales said the exhibit of Mideo Cruz “abused” freedom of expression and urged the faithful to “rise up” in protest against it.
“It’s an abuse of freedom because the use of freedom must respect responsibilities. There’s a responsibility not to destroy culture, civilization or the good conduct of persons,” Rosales said.
“Those who are like that, I don’t know what he learned from his parents, from his school, from his friends. It’s a complete betrayal of what is right and the knowledge of what is wrong,” Rosales said.
The cardinal said the exhibit, which the CCP has defended, was a “big insult, disrespect” to “right-thinking persons.”
“Let me just ask, can he (Cruz) do that to his own father (or) to (national hero Jose) Rizal? …you will never do that to somebody you respect (like) your parents or to a hero like Jose Rizal. Why did you do that to the Son of God?” Rosales said.
The Manila archbishop urged the laity to rise up and correct the perceived blasphemous exhibit at the CCP.
