Wellington, New Zealand
New Zealand’s Catholic bishops urged the faithful to boycott a television station because of its decision this week to air a South Park episode that mocks the Virgin Mary. The “Bloody Mary” episode of the popular American animated series features a menstruating statue. “Press freedom is not a license to incite intolerance or to promote hatred or derision based on religion,” the bishops said in a joint letter to congregants. Rick Friesen, head of the company that runs the station, said Catholics who think they wouldn’t enjoy the show should not watch it.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
‘The worry is far from fanciful’Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
How are Americans bracing for the end of SNAP?TODAY'S BIG QUESTION Millions depend on supplemental federal food funds that are set to expire this month, as the government shutdown begins to be acutely felt
-
Book review: ‘Joyride: A Memoir’Feature A journalist’s story of how she chased and accomplished her dreams
