"> Name: Tissa Balasuriya, Sri Lankan theologian

Date:  1995 - 2005

Location:  Asia

SubjectReligious

MediumPersonal Opinion


Artist: Tissa Balasuriya

Confronting Bodies: The Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF), and other Catholic authorities

Date of Action: 1994-1998

Specific Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka

Description of Artwork: Balasuriya was known for challenging the Catholic Church in his book, "Mary and Human Liberation."



Description of Incident: In "Mary and Human Liberation" Balasuriya argued that the myth of Eve's temptation of Adam, to eat the fruit from the tree of knowledge, is merely a denigration of women; different religions offer different paths to God; and that there should be no objection to a "black, brown white or yellow Pope." Church officials found these comments unacceptable and excommunicated Balasuriya in 1997. He refused to sign a "Profession of Faith" to prevent his excommunication.



Results of Incident: In 1998, Balasuriya withdrew the statements that the Vatican found most offensive. He was permitted back into the Catholic Church.



Source: Censorship, A World Encyclopedia, ed. D. Jones

Submitted By: NCAC



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