German Diocese Regrets "Slime Jesus" – But No One Is Punished
The Eucharist was broadcast Germanwide from the parish of St Mary’s in Stuttgart.
The officiating priest, Thomas Steiger, said during the service: "The nativity scene shows a real human being, lying there miserable, naked and exposed."
Next to him, the female actor breathed heavily and slowly writhed in the paper, which was apparently meant to represent the vernix covering a newborn child.
"This is how radically God becomes human: close, touchable, without distance, real," said Rev Steiger.
It was only on 12 January, after nearly three weeks of mounting criticism and online mockery, that Bishop Klaus Krämer of Rottenburg-Stuttgart published a statement on the diocesan website. It claims that the bishop has taken note of the feedback and carefully reviewed it over the past few days. "The reactions to the broadcast have shown that religious feelings were hurt."
The statement added that those responsible for the conception and broadcast of the Christmas Eucharist deeply regret the incident. However, it also states that "at no time was it their intention to provoke or disparage central tenets of the faith".
"It has become clear that the chosen form of presentation caused irritation, incomprehension and anger among many people, especially on a significant feast day such as Christmas."
Bishop Krämer admits that the liturgy was designed more freely than is permissible. "These deviations were incorrect and will be addressed."
The bishop promises that coordination and decision-making processes will be tightened for future church service broadcasts.
However, it is inconceivable that the responsible priest Steiger will face a canonical investigation or any sanction, since Church law applies only to Catholics.
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