Archbishop Fisher challenges public funding for Divine Playhouse venture in open letter

Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney has asked the NSW Government to withdraw public funding from the organizers of Divine Playhouse. In an open letter to Arts Minister John Graham, the Archbishop argued that the arts venture uses Catholic symbols and rituals in a way that ridicules and denigrates the faith.

The request follows the announcement of three events scheduled for October at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia. Promotional materials for these events mention hymns, confessions, adoration, and processions. Archbishop Fisher stated in a video message that the organizers appear to be deliberately trying to provoke Catholics and other Christians by ridiculing sacred practices and sacraments.

Divine Playhouse previously operated out of a former church on Kent Street until its lease ended in July following protests from Christian groups. The group reportedly received a $100,000 grant from Create NSW. While the Archbishop acknowledged the importance of artistic freedom, he questioned why state government money should support the sexualization or degradation of religious beliefs. The Museum of Contemporary Art described the upcoming events as a celebration of creative expression, difference, and dissent.