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Archbishop Eamon Martin has criticized state broadcaster RT\u00c9 over a \u201cdeeply offensive and blasphemous\u201d clip that ran as part of the station\u2019s NYE Countdown show.<\/p>\nArchbishop Eamon Martin has criticized state broadcaster RT\u00c9 over a \u201cdeeply offensive and blasphemous\u201d clip that ran as part of the station\u2019s NYE Countdown show.<\/p>\n
The program, broadcast on RT\u00c9 One on New Year\u2019s Eve, featured a sketch by satirical group Waterford Whispers News.<\/p>\n
In it, a mocked-up news report featuring former RT\u00c9 news presenter Aengus Mac Grianna claimed that God had been arrested over \u201csexual harassment scandals\u201d.<\/p>\n
Mr Martin, the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, denounced the sketch in a statement on Twitter on Friday.<\/p>\n
He described the sketch as \u201cdeeply offensive\u201d, \u201coutrageous\u201d and \u201cinsulting to all Catholics and Christians\u201d.<\/p>\n
He wrote: \u201cI am shocked that producer\/editor of \u2018NYE Countdown Show\u2019 @RTE @RTEOne didn\u2019t realise how deeply offensive was a mocking \u2018news report\u2019 accusing God of rape & reporting his imprisonment. This outrageous clip should be removed immediately & denounced by all people of goodwill.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo broadcast such a deeply offensive and blasphemous clip about God & Our Blessed Mother Mary during the Christmas season on \u2018NYE Countdown Show\u2019 on @RTE, @RTEOne & on Eve of the Solemn Feast of Mary, Mother of God is insulting to all Catholics and Christians.\u201d<\/p>\n
The archbishop tagged the RT\u00c9 director general Dee Forbes in his tweets.<\/p>\n
In the sketch, Mr Mac Grianna reads a mocked-up news story in which God has been arrested over \u201congoing sexual harassment scandals\u201d.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cThe five-billion-year-old stood accused of forcing himself on a young middle-eastern migrant and allegedly impregnating her against her will, before being sentenced to two years in prison, with the last 24 months suspended.\u201d<\/p>\n
A man dressed as God is seen being led away by a member of the garda\u00ed, and is heard shouting \u201cIt was 2,000 years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n
The sketch ran as part of RT\u00c9\u2019s NYE Countdown show, which was presented by Kathryn Thomas and comedian Deirdre O\u2019Kane.<\/p>\n
Guests included musicians Sharon Shannon and Jerry Fish, comedian Pat Shortt and GAA correspondent Marty Morrisey.<\/p>\n
The program also featured a performance from Riverdance.<\/p>\n