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Archbishop Eamon Martin has criticized state broadcaster RTÉ for a “deeply offensive and blasphemous” clip that aired as part of the station’s NYE Countdown program.
The show, broadcast on RTÉ One on New Year’s Eve, featured a sketch by the satirical group Waterford Whispers News.
In it, a mock news report with former RTÉ news anchor Aengus Mac Grianna claimed that God had been arrested for “sexual harassment scandals.”
Martin, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of all Ireland, denounced the sketch in a statement on Twitter on Friday.
1. I’m surprised that the producer / editor of ‘NYE Countdown Show’ @RTE @RTEOne She did not realize how deeply offensive a mocking ‘news report’ was that accused God of rape and denounced her imprisonment. This outrageous clip should be removed immediately and reported by all people of good will.
– Eamon Martin (@ArchbishopEamon) January 1, 2021
He described the sketch as “deeply offensive”, “outrageous” and “insulting to all Catholics and Christians.”
He wrote: “I am amazed that ‘NYE Countdown Show’ producer / editor @RTE @RTEOne didn’t realize how deeply offensive a mocking ‘news report’ was that accused God of rape and denounced his imprisonment. This outrageous clip should be removed immediately and reported by all people of good will.
“Broadcasting such a deeply offensive and blasphemous clip about God and Our Blessed Mother Mary during the holiday season on ‘NYE Countdown Show’ on @RTE, @RTEOne and on the eve of the Solemn Feast of Mary, Mother of God is an insult to all Catholics and Christians “.
The archbishop tagged RTÉ CEO Dee Forbes in his tweets.
In the sketch, Mr. Mac Grianna reads a mock news story in which God has been arrested for “ongoing sexual harassment scandals.”
He said: “The five-billion-year-old man was charged with imposing on a young migrant from the Middle East and allegedly making her pregnant against her will, before being sentenced to two years in prison, with the last 24 months suspended.”
A man dressed as God is seen being carried away by a member of the Gardaí, and he is heard shouting “It was 2,000 years ago.”
2. Airing such a deeply offensive and blasphemous video about God and Our Blessed Mother Mary during the holiday season on ‘NYE Countdown Show’ on @RTE, @RTEOne And on the eve of the solemn feast of Mary, the Mother of God insults all Catholics and Christians. @deeforbes_dee
– Eamon Martin (@ArchbishopEamon) January 1, 2021
The sketch was published as part of RTÉ’s NYE Countdown program, which was hosted by Kathryn Thomas and comedian Deirdre O’Kane.
Guests included musicians Sharon Shannon and Jerry Fish, comedian Pat Shortt, and GAA correspondent Marty Morrisey.
The show also featured a performance by Riverdance.
The PA news agency has contacted RTÉ for comment.
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