The Italian diocese of Carpi is defending itself against the accusation
of blasphemy in an art exhibition.
The accusations are disrespectful of the path taken by the artist and exhibition organisers, the diocese explained on its website.
If the pictures were viewed correctly and with a clear view, the accusation would be untenable.
The bone of contention is a painting by the artist Andrea Saltini, which shows the naked body of Jesus after the crucifixion. His private parts are covered by the head of another man, so that the scene seems to suggest oral sex.
According to the exhibition organisers, however, it is not the head but the man's left hand that is pressing against Jesus' ribcage. It is the Roman officer Longinus who is breaking the rib of the Son of God.
Blog speaks of blasphemy
The painting entitled "INRI" is part of an exhibition organised by the diocesan museum, which is currently on display in a church in Carpi in northern Italy.
The conservative blog "Nuova Bussola Quotidiana" reported on the exhibition on Monday and spoke of blasphemy.
The diocese quotes its pastoral care officer Carlo Bellini. Saltini's works are not devotional images; they are contemporary art with a religious theme.
One can meditate in front of these works. His work is therefore "a gift for believers and non-believers alike to reflect on the mysteries of our existence in the world and to renew the iconographic heritage and the affective heritage of our cultural tradition".
The diocese announced an appendix to the exhibition catalogue.
This would present the individual works from the artist's perspective and illustrate his spiritual quest.