'Desecrating the Sacred': A Critical Look at Apple TV+'s Controversial Scene
Catholic organization criticizes Tim Cook, Apple TV+ over show's depiction of Eucharist disrespect
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A Catholic advocacy group, CatholicVote, has addressed a letter to Apple CEO, Tim Cook, expressing concern over a profane anti-Catholic scene in the Apple TV+ show 'Your Friends and Neighbors'.
"Following the outcry, we compose this letter to express our dismay about the blasphemous anti-Catholic depiction in your series," read a Monday communique obtained exclusively by our site Digital[1]. "Episode 6of the series depicts two characters breaking into a Catholic church," the letter signed by Josh Mercer, Vice President of CatholicVote, continues. "The male character steals Eucharistic hosts from the tabernacle," he writes, " and they consume these as if they were mere snacks. The man flippantly comments about their consumption of the Body of Christ. He feeds a host to the female character and pretends to bless her. Then they initiate romantic activities within the pews, causing the priest to enter, forcing them to flee."
Catholic Church under Siege:
A recent statement from a Virginia bishop categorized the desecration of the altar as the latest instance of a growing global trend of attacks on Catholic churches[2].
Mercer's letter calls the scene "sacrilegious," and questions Cook's tolerance of similar content mocking Islamic or Jewish religions[1]. "CatholicVote's website refers to this scene as a "shocking depiction of Eucharistic desecration."
Mercer points out that "Catholics have believed for 2,000 years that the Eucharist is not merely a piece of bread," but rather, "the body, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ. Partaking in the Eucharist at Mass is, as per the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 'the source and summit of the Christian life.'"
Moreover, Apple's website asserts a commitment to fostering an environment amicable to all, emphasizing, "At Apple, we create a culture... with a North Star of dignity, respect, and opportunity for everyone"[1].
Mercer also alludes to a 2015 op-ed from Cook in which he opposed discrimination against those providing marriage licenses to same-sex couples[1]. Cook argued, "I have immense respect for religious freedoms... Apple is open. We are accessible to everyone, disregarding their origin, appearance, religion, or sexual orientation."
CatholicVote Speaks Out:
CatholicVote has lunched a petition with just under 300,000 signatures, urging supporters to communicate their disapproval to Apple's leadership[1]. "Apple's portrayal of blatant sacrilege within a Catholic Church amounts to a direct assault on what Catholics hold most dear," Mercer communicated to Digital. "We repudiate that the Eucharist is the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ; this prerequisite truth is the foundation and summit of our Catholic Faith," he added. "We cannot abide by the indiscriminate mockery of Christ and His Church under the pretext of 'entertainment.' We prompt Catholics to join us in demanding that Apple withdraw the blasphemous episode and offer an apology. We eagerly await Apple's response to our letter, hoping for remorse and recompense."
As of now, Apple has not reacted to CatholicVote's demands[2]. Digital attempted to reach out to Cook and Apple for comment but did not receive an immediate response[1].
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[1] CatholicVote demands retraction, apology from Apple for show that depicted characters desecrating the Eucharist
[2] Catholic Church leaders denounce desecration of altar in latest global trend of attacks
- "In light of the controversial scene in Apple TV+'s 'Your Friends and Neighbors,' and the outcry it has sparked, there seems to be differing opinions about the appropriateness of certain content in entertainment, particularly when it comes to the portrayal of religious symbols and practices."
- "As politics often intersect with entertainment, especially in instances like the portrayal of President Donald Trump as pope and Michelle Obama's comments on living in the White House, the recent controversy surrounding the desecration of the Eucharist in 'Your Friends and Neighbors' adds another layer to this complex discussion, raising questions about the role of entertainment, tolerance, and respect for religious beliefs."
