Story Archive

Indecent Proposal

Brides “often present themselves looking coarse and vulgar,” says Cristiano Bobbo, a parish priest in Oriago, Italy. He wrote a letter to parishioners to suggest an extra fee should be charged for bridal gowns with plunging necklines — the more they show, the higher the “decency tax.” Weddings are becoming “glamorous social events” rather than solemn rites, he complains. But Italians on social media were quick to criticize the Roman Catholic priest as an out-of-touch prude. “So should we fine the Church on the basis of how many victims were sexually abused by members of the clergy?” asked one. “It feels like we’re going back to the 1940s when there were loads of taboos in place,” said another. “Does a low neckline really still cause a stir?” (RC/London Telegraph) ...Apparently — at least under Fr. Bobbo’s cassock.