Archbishop of Sydney pens letter to Channel 10 bosses after ‘disgusting’ Jesus joke

The Archbishop of Sydney has made an unexpected proposition to Channel 10 after The Project aired a sexual joke mocking the Christian faith. See the letter.

Exclusive: The Archbishop of Sydney has invited The Project hosts Waleed Aly and Sarah Harris to visit St Mary’s Cathedral to “better understand” the impact over its airing of a controversial Jesus joke.

Tens of thousands of viewers unleashed their anger after queer comedian Reuben Kaye made a sexual joke mocking the Christian faith on prime-time show The Project on Tuesday night.

Reuben explained that he regularly gets people negatively messaging him on TikTok and they criticise his sexuality from a “religious angle”.

“I think it’s hilarious when someone messages me and says, ‘You have to accept Jesus’ love or you will burn in hell,’ because I love Jesus,” Kaye said.

“I love any man who can get nailed for three days straight and come back for more.”

Queer comic Reuben Kaye is in trouble for making a Jesus joke on The Project. Picture: The Project/ Channel 10

The Project host Waleed Aly was left stunned and his fellow host Sarah Harris burst out laughing along with the other panellists.

Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher has since written to Network Ten’s chief content officer and Paramount Australia executive vice president Beverley McGarvey to condemn the “public mockery” on the prime-time show.

He also invited The Project panellists and production staff to visit St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney to “better understand” what Christians believe and why attacking these beliefs is inappropriate.

“During prime-time, the guest used the crucifixion of Jesus as a source of ridicule and derision. Presented as a “joke,” the crude remark was of a sexual nature and highly inappropriate,” Archbishop Fisher said.

Waleed Aly and Sarah Harris after the joke was made. Picture: The Project/ Channel 10

“Worryingly, the insult not only went unchallenged, but was even endorsed with spirited laughter by members of the panel.

“That a ‘news and current affairs’ program would so flagrantly mock the beliefs of more than half of all Australians is extremely upsetting and frankly incredible.”

And while the severe backlash forced hosts Aly and Harris to issue an apology on-air on Wednesday night, Archbishop Fisher said came across as “forced and insincere”.

“One gets the impression that the panellists are either unaware or indifferent to the hurt they have caused not only to Christians but people of faith throughout the nation,” Archbishop Fisher said.

“Moreover, the apology was not posted on The Project Facebook page yet the video clip containing the offensive remarks is still available for viewing.”

Leaders from the Christian and Muslim community dismissed Channel 10’s apology and have confirmed plans will go ahead to protest at Sydney’s Hyde Park on March 18.

The Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA) have also condemned the show’s segment and called for action.

“We call upon everyone, and in particular, public figures like Reuben Kaye who left Network Ten The Project producers red faced, to respect and display tolerance towards one another, regardless of their religious beliefs,” the LMA said.

“As civilised society, we call upon the Australian government to enshrine the sanctity of religion from such derogatory and blasphemous statements that serve only to denigrate people’s faith, beliefs and principles.”

Nearly 20,000 Australians have also signed a change.org petition calling on the network to axe it’s prime-time show The Project.

Em Rusciano has slammed The Project and their apology. Picture: 2DAY FM

It comes as comedian Em Rusciano, who has appeared both as a panellist and guest on the current affairs program over the years, took to Twitter on Thursday to claim Ten had “thrown (Kaye) under the bus”.

“I find it pretty hard to believe that (Reuben Kaye)’s joke that stopped a nation wasn’t script approved,” she tweeted.

“I’ve worked on The Project – VERY little is off the cuff! A tiny, tiny amount. They’ve flat out thrown him under the bus (in my opinion). Sorry, but someone had to say it.”

Originally published as Archbishop of Sydney pens letter to Channel 10 bosses after ‘disgusting’ Jesus joke