Art exhibit riles local Catholics

A piece of artwork being exhibited in the window of a Coeur d’Alene art gallery has rankled some members of the local Catholic community who say it is offensive to their faith.

Bob Runkle, who attends St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Coeur d’Alene, said a network of parishioners from at least two local Catholic parishes have appealed to Art Spirit Gallery on Sherman Avenue to remove the piece — a sculpted depiction of Our Lady of Guadalupe — from display.

“They said it’s free speech,” Runkle said. “We totally support free speech and an artist’s choice, but when it comes to offending

people’s religious beliefs, we should have a choice too”/ Maureen Dolan , Coeur d’Alene Press. More here.

Question: Should the gallery remove the controversial piece?