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.
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