A church in Germany has been forced to issue a formal apology after its experimental televised service, which featured a depiction of Jesus Christ covered in a brightly coloured slime-like substance, provoked widespread anger and disbelief among its congregation and viewers.
A Controversial Broadcast from Cologne
The incident occurred on Sunday, 12 January 2026, during a live broadcast from St. John the Baptist Church in Cologne. The service, intended to reach a younger audience, incorporated unconventional artistic elements that culminated in a segment where a statue representing Jesus was drenched in neon-green slime. This act was reportedly intended as a symbolic representation of baptism or renewal, but its execution caused immediate offence.
Church officials confirmed the broadcast was part of a series of "experimental formats" designed to modernise worship. However, the backlash was swift and severe. Viewers flooded the church's social media channels and phone lines with complaints, describing the act as "disrespectful," "blasphemous," and a trivialisation of sacred Christian iconography.
Leadership Responds to the Fury
Facing intense criticism, Dean Tobias Przytarski, the senior clergyman responsible for the broadcast, publicly conceded the misstep. He acknowledged that the creative attempt had "clearly overstepped the mark" and failed to resonate with the faithful in the manner intended. A formal statement of apology was issued, expressing regret for the distress caused and affirming a commitment to more sensitive approaches in future outreach efforts.
The controversy has ignited a broader debate within the German religious community about the limits of modernising worship and the use of secular media tactics to engage with congregations. Critics argue that such stunts risk alienating core worshippers and undermining the solemnity of religious practice, while proponents suggest the church must find new ways to remain relevant in a rapidly changing media landscape.
Broader Implications for Religious Outreach
This event highlights the delicate balance religious institutions must strike when attempting to refresh their image and appeal to younger demographics. The strong negative reaction from the Cologne congregation suggests a significant gap between the creative intentions of church producers and the expectations of their audience. The church's leadership now faces the task of rebuilding trust with its community while still exploring avenues for contemporary engagement.
The fallout from the "Slime Jesus" broadcast serves as a cautionary tale for other institutions considering similarly avant-garde methods. It underscores that innovation, without deep consideration for the beliefs and sensitivities of the faithful, can lead to serious reputational damage and internal division.
