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Priest leaves position after filming scene with Lily Phillips in cathedral
The Dean of St John's Cathedral in Brisbane, Australia, Peter Catt, has announced he has stepped down following huge backlash over the filming of a reality television show featuring adult content creators inside the historic venue.
The cathedral featured in Turned On: Dirty Sexy Money, a reality series streaming on Australian platform Stan.
It starred 24-year-old British OnlyFans creator Lily Phillips, who was filmed undergoing a Christian ceremony at the altar alongside other adult performers as part of her journey to reconnect with her childhood faith.
Church officials have launched public apologies
Archbishop of Brisbane, Rev. Jeremy Greaves, was forced to issue an apology and condemn the finished series as "clickbait, reality TV content that shamelessly attempts to validate the porn industry."
Catt, who has served as Dean for 20 years, addressed the situation and confirmed his imminent departure in a public letter released on Thursday, September 10.
He said: "I am writing to address the Cathedral's involvement in the Stan series Turned On: Dirty Sexy Money and to let you know that, after prayerful reflection and consultation with the Archbishop and Cathedral team, I have decided to retire as Dean.
"It was my decision for the Cathedral to participate in a television show that was later named Turned On: Dirty Sexy Money. I come from a place of faith, love and acceptance and I believe everyone has the right to connect with their faith. But, I understand my decision has caused distress and concern within the faith community."
Explaining how the raunchy show was allowed to be filmed in the religious venue, Catt claimed that the nature of the production was presented to him differently before filming began.
Catt stated: "I was told the show was a documentary about an influencer seeking to reconnect with her Christian faith, and there was no commercial arrangement.
"As part of the preparation for the Reaffirmation Ceremony, I spent several hours in conversation with Lily about her faith journey. My intention was to offer the sacramental hospitality of the Cathedral, which is always open to those who seek God's grace.
"Nevertheless, I did not ensure sufficient protections for the Cathedral, and the show that aired is very different from what I envisaged and agreed to."
The most backlash received was over church-goers featuring in the show
The footage also drew significant concern after members of the congregation and children were caught on camera during the production.
Catt said: "My arrangement with the producers of this show was limited to my own participation and no other member of the Cathedral community. However, footage taken during filming, including members of our congregation and children, was included in the programme when it first aired. I deeply regret that this happened and unreservedly apologise."
Reassuring his church-goers, Catt added: "I would like to let you know that the producers have apologised and acknowledged their error in accidentally including members of the congregation in the program, and have blurred or removed anyone who was shown."