Brooklyn Bishop ‘Shocked’ by Pop Star’s Church Music Video
The Bishop of New York’s Brooklyn Diocese “Appalled” by Provocative Music Video Filmed in Catholic Church
The bishop of New York’s Brooklyn diocese expressed his shock and dismay after a popular singer was given permission to film her controversial music video inside a historic Catholic church in Brooklyn. The artist in question is none other than Sabrina Carpenter, whose hit song “Feather” features scenes filmed inside the 160-year-old Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Williamsburg.
“The parish did not follow diocesan policy regarding the filming on Church property, which includes a review of the scenes and script,” the diocese stated.
Bishop Robert Brennan, who was ”appalled” by the video shoot, has vowed to investigate the matter further. The diocese revealed that the parish claimed the production company failed to accurately represent the video’s content, adding to the controversy surrounding the incident.
The music video, which was released on Halloween, has already garnered nearly 2.9 million views on YouTube. In the video, Carpenter can be seen singing about past relationships while engaging in provocative dance moves on the church’s altar and communion aisle. The scene is adorned with pink and blue coffins, crosses, candles, garlands, angel statues, and a vase containing dark red liquid with an RIP sign. One of the coffins even bears the phrase “RIP bitch,” while an angel statue reads “Good Girls Go 2 Heaven.” A neon cross illuminates the crucifix.
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Other scenes in the music video depict Carpenter exacting revenge on a man who took an inappropriate photo and men fighting over her, resulting in their demise. The video was directed by Mia Barnes, but neither the director nor the parish has commented on the bishop’s reaction thus far.
Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, founded in 1863, is a significant place of worship for Brooklyn’s Lithuanian Catholics. It remains unclear whether consecrated hosts were present on the altar during the filming of Carpenter’s music video, as Catholic churches typically house these sacred elements in a tabernacle.
Who gave permission for the filming to take place in the church without consulting the diocese?
Not give permission for the filming of this music video,” stated Bishop Donald T. Dowling, the bishop of the Brooklyn diocese. “We are appalled that our sacred space was used in such a provocative and disrespectful manner, particularly during Holy Week.”
The music video for “Feather” depicts Carpenter in various settings, including inside the church, where she is seen singing and dancing. The video has garnered millions of views on YouTube since its release, sparking both admiration and criticism.
The decision to allow the filming inside the church was made by the pastor of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, Father James O’Connor. However, Bishop Dowling emphasized that Father O’Connor did not have the authority to grant permission for such an activity without consulting the diocese.
“The bishop must be informed and give approval before any non-religious activity takes place inside a church,” Bishop Dowling explained. “In this case, the bishop was not consulted, nor did he give consent.”
The bishop stated that he has initiated an investigation into how the filming was allowed to happen without his knowledge. He also announced that appropriate measures will be taken to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
“The church is a place of worship, and its sanctity should always be preserved,” Bishop Dowling said. “To use our sacred space for a music video that may be seen as disrespectful is deeply troubling.”
The music video, which features Carpenter in revealing outfits and provocative dance moves, has been criticized by some for its explicit content. Many argue that such a video is incompatible with the values and teachings of the Catholic Church.
“The Catholic Church advocates for modesty and respect,” stated one churchgoer. “This music video goes against those principles, and it is disheartening to see a church being associated with such a message.”
The controversy has sparked a debate on artistic freedom and religious sensitivity. While some defend Carpenter’s right to express herself creatively, others argue that there should be boundaries when it comes to artistic expression inside a place of worship.
“It is important to respect the beliefs and practices of different religious communities,” said another church member. ”Artists should be mindful of the sacredness of a church and exercise caution when creating content that may be offensive or sacrilegious.”
In the midst of this controversy, Sabrina Carpenter has not released any official statement addressing the bishop’s concerns. However, her fans continue to support and defend her, emphasizing the importance of artistic expression and freedom of speech.
As the investigation into the filming continues, the bishop of the Brooklyn diocese hopes that this incident serves as a reminder of the need for open communication and mutual respect between artistic endeavors and religious spaces.
“Our churches are sacred places that should be treated with reverence,” Bishop Dowling concluded. “We must strive to ensure that such incidents do not occur, and that the sanctity of our worship spaces is always upheld.”
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