From ........... National Catholic Reporter

September 30, 1994

page 5

NUN'S GALLERY TO REMOVE SEXUALLY EXPLICIT ART

A San Antonio art gallery located on the property of Catholic nuns and run by a sister is moving an exhibit on sexuality and AIDS to another gallery after receiving threats. The exhibit includes sculptures of genitalia and a painting of an angel who appears to be having intercourse at an altar.

The Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word closed the exhibit days after it opened, after receiving complaints, including Archbishop Patrick F. Flores' statement that he was 'offended, insulted and hurt.'

'Both parties recognize that censorship is a central issue but agree that there are larger issues involved. The move is being made to ensure the safety of the sisters,' artist Donell Hill and the gallery said in a statement.

Sr. Alice Holden, the gallery's director, said she decided the work should be shown because 'sexuality is a tremendous gift from God.'

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