Singapore’s Catholic archbishop has expressed the local Church’s “grave concerns” at an upcoming concert by Madonna.
In a statement released on February 20, Archbishop William Goh reminded Catholics of their “moral obligation not to support those who denigrate and insult religions . . .”.
Archbishop Goh added that “‘pseudo arts that promote sensuality, rebellion, disrespect, pornography, contamination of the mind of the young, abusive freedom, individualism at the expense of the common good, vulgarity, lies and half-truths”, should not be supported.
“In multi-racial, multi-religious Singapore,” he said, “we cannot afford to be overly permissive in favour of artistic expression at the expense of one’s religion.”
Madonna’s music and performances were described as blasphemous and disrespectful because of her use of Catholic and Christian symbols.
There is no neutrality in faith, Archbishop Goh said.
“Being present at these events is itself a counter-witness.”
The archbishop added: “Obedience to God and his commandments must come before the arts.”
According to the statement, Singapore authorities have assured Archbishop Goh restrictions have been put in place to ensure that religiously-offensive content that breaches local guidelines will not be allowed on stage.
Madonna, who is touring Asia on her Rebel Heart tour, will perform at the National Stadium in Singapore on Sunday, February 28.
Last month, the Media Development Authority (MDA) in Singapore said that the concert had been given an R18 rating as it contains sexually suggestive content.
The authority stated that religiously-sensitive content, like the song “Holy Water”, would not be performed.
A bishop in the Philippines called for Catholics to boycott Madonna concerts there earlier this week.
Madonna was raised as a Catholic in the United States, but later in life converted to a type of Judaism.
Sources