In her career spanning three decades, Madonna has never been
one to opt for the ‘safe’ option when performing on stage. But ahead of the New
Zealand leg of her Rebel Heart tour, the Material Girl has once again rubbed
the Catholic Church the wrong way.
one to opt for the ‘safe’ option when performing on stage. But ahead of the New
Zealand leg of her Rebel Heart tour, the Material Girl has once again rubbed
the Catholic Church the wrong way.
The 57-year-old has a history of using Christian symbols in
her performances, but Auckland bishop Pat Dunn told RadioLive; ‘I find it
hugely offensive. I think there are boundaries, especially in our society in
New Zealand now.
her performances, but Auckland bishop Pat Dunn told RadioLive; ‘I find it
hugely offensive. I think there are boundaries, especially in our society in
New Zealand now.
‘We have such a mix of cultures and faiths, that artists
have to be a little bit sensitive to values that are held by people in our
society.’
have to be a little bit sensitive to values that are held by people in our
society.’
Raised a Catholic, many officials of the church have accused
the pop icon as ‘insulting’ her faith by using symbols in a ‘provocative’
manner.
the pop icon as ‘insulting’ her faith by using symbols in a ‘provocative’
manner.
However, upon her arrival to Auckland on Tuesday, she
received a warm welcome by Presbyterian Minister Glenn Cardy, who acknowledged
her artistic freedoms.
received a warm welcome by Presbyterian Minister Glenn Cardy, who acknowledged
her artistic freedoms.
‘My personal opinion is that Madonna is an artist and uses
her experience and understanding of her culture in her work,’ he told Stuff.
her experience and understanding of her culture in her work,’ he told Stuff.
A fan dressed as the Pope watches on during her Rebel Heart
tour.
tour.
Madonna’s conflict with the Catholic church began in 1989
with her video of Like A Prayer, which featured strong religious references,
flaming crosses and a black Jesus.
with her video of Like A Prayer, which featured strong religious references,
flaming crosses and a black Jesus.
The Pope forbade her from entering Vatican City, but this
didn’t appear to discourage listeners as it’s one of the most successful
singles of all time.
didn’t appear to discourage listeners as it’s one of the most successful
singles of all time.
In 2006, she ruffled feathers again for her Confessions tour
which resulted in officials calling for her to be ex-communicated.
which resulted in officials calling for her to be ex-communicated.
Cardinal Ersilio Tonino, speaking with the approval of Pope
Benedict XVI said: ‘This time the limits have really been pushed too far.
Benedict XVI said: ‘This time the limits have really been pushed too far.
‘This concert is a blasphemous challenge to the faith and a
profanation of the cross. She should be excommunicated.’
profanation of the cross. She should be excommunicated.’
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