The Roman Catholic Archbishop of the Diocese of Glasgow, Scotland, has denounced a government-funded play that depicts Jesus as a transsexual, claiming it is a "provocative and offensive abuse" of Christian beliefs. He believes the event plays an agenda to "mock Christianity."

The Catholic News Agency reports that, "the play 'Queen of Heaven' is being staged in the Tron Theater as part of the publicly funded 'Glassgay!' arts festival, which describes itself as 'Scotland's Annual celebration of queer culture,' BBC reports."

Approximately 300 people particiapted in a candlelight protest of the play outside the theater.

Steven Thomson, festival producer, called the play a 'literary work of fiction exploring the artist's own personal journey of faith as a transgenedered person. This work is not intended to incite or offend anyone of any belief system. However, we respect your right to disagree with that opinion."

Archbishop Mario Conti of Glasgow had been intensely critical of the production, issuing a formal statement:

"It is difficult to imagine a more provocative and offensive abuse of Christian beliefs than this play. That should be supported by public funds is nothing short of disgraceful. Coming hot on the heels of this scandalous exhibition earlier this year, which encouraged the defacing of the Bible, this latest initiative can only be read as part of an agenda to mock Christianity."

He claimed that the festival's financial supporters, the Glasgow City Council and Culture and Sports Glasgow, have "serious questions" to answer in regards to why such projects are funded at a moment of budget cuts.

The Catholic News Agency quotes Archbishop Conti as saying that, "far from combating prejudice, productions like this reinforce stereotypes. Organizers should realize that you do not promote tolerance of the minority by offending and insulting the majority."

Jo Clifford, the 59-year-old formerly known as John clifford, told the London Times that his critics are misinterpreting the play that he wrote and stars in, since he claims that his depiction of a transsexual Jesus "corresponds to what the Bible says."

To read the entire article from the Catholic News Agency, link here:

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