Church leader steps down after TV show scandal
A senior Anglican Church leader in Queensland has stepped down from his post after weeks of controversy over a TV show filmed inside a Brisbane cathedral.
Dr Peter Catt, who has been Dean of Brisbane since 2008, claimed he was misled about the nature of the television show that became Turned On: Dirty Sexy Money, when he was asked to participate.
Dr Peter Catt, Dean of Brisbane, is resigning his post. Glenn Hunt
Turned On: Dirty Sexy Money is broadcast on Stan, which is owned by Nine, publisher of this masthead.
St John’s Cathedral appeared in the show as a setting for UK-born OnlyFans performer Lily Philips to explore her faith.
“I was told the show was a documentary seeking to reconnect with her Christian faith, and there was no commercial arrangement,” Catt said in his resignation letter to parishioners.
“As part of the preparation for the Reaffirmation Ceremony, I spent several hours in conversation with Lily about her faith journey.
“My intention was to offer the sacramental hospitality of the Cathedral, which is always open to those who seek God’s grace.
“Nevertheless, I did not ensure sufficient protections for the Cathedral, and the show that aired is very different from what I envisaged and agreed to.”
Turned On: Dirty Sexy Money bills itself as a show following women in the top 1 per cent of OnlyFans creators and exploring their work and lives.
The show also aired footage of parishioners, including children, which Catt said he had received an apology for.
That footage has now been blurred.
“I deeply regret that this happened and unreservedly apologise,” Catt said.
The cast of Turned On: Dirty Sexy Money, with Lily Philips on the far left. Stan
He said he was “deeply saddened” by the impact on the community.
“I come from a place of faith, love, and acceptance, and I believe everyone has the right to connect with their faith,” he said.
“But, I understand my decision has caused distress and concern within the faith community.”
Catt is currently on leave but returns later this month, and his final Sunday service at St John’s will be on September 27.
The church will announce an acting replacement before launching an international search for a full-time replacement.
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