St John’s Cathedral in Brisbane is at the centre of a growing controversy after church officials permitted cameras for a reality television show centred on the adult content platform OnlyFans to film inside the historic Anglican cathedral. Parishioners and religious groups have voiced strong objections, while the cathedral’s dean insists the production was chosen to engage with contemporary culture.
The decision to host the filming — reportedly authorised by cathedral clergy after a formal application — has sparked debate over the role of religious institutions in commercial entertainment. The show, described as a reality series following OnlyFans creators, used the cathedral as a backdrop for unspecified scenes. Church leaders have not disclosed whether a fee was charged for access.
Opponents argue that allowing a show linked to explicit content sullies the sanctity of a place of worship. "Cathedrals are sacred spaces for prayer, not for promoting platforms that often profit from sexualised content," said a spokesperson for the Australian Christian Lobby. Social media has been flooded with comments from churchgoers expressing dismay.
However, the Very Rev. Dr. Peter Catt, Dean of St John’s Cathedral, defended the decision, stating the cathedral has a long tradition of engaging with the arts and hosting diverse events. "We carefully considered the production’s intent and concluded that it offered an opportunity to engage with modern culture in a way that respects our values," he told reporters. The cathedral has previously hosted concerts, exhibitions, and even film screenings.
Producers of the reality show have declined to comment on the backlash. Industry observers note that filming in iconic locations is common in reality television, but the association with OnlyFans — a platform known for subscription-based adult content — has elevated scrutiny.
The controversy comes amid broader societal debates about the intersection of religion, morality, and commodified entertainment. Some commentators have drawn parallels to past incidents where churches faced criticism for renting spaces to corporations or hosting events perceived as incompatible with Christian teachings.
As the debate continues, the cathedral has scheduled a forum for parishioners to discuss the matter. No further filming has been announced, and it remains unclear when the episode featuring the cathedral will air.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- For local parishioners: The incident raises questions about how their place of worship is used and whether commercial interests are overriding spiritual mission.
- For the broader community: It highlights the tension between religious institutions seeking relevance in a secular culture and maintaining traditional values.
- What happens next: The cathedral’s planned forum could lead to new guidelines for approving filming requests, potentially setting a precedent for other churches in Australia.
Background
St John’s Cathedral in Brisbane is one of Australia’s finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture and serves as the seat of the Anglican Archbishop of Brisbane. Historically, the cathedral has hosted a wide variety of events beyond regular worship, including classical concerts, art exhibitions, and public lectures. Its leadership has often emphasised openness and engagement with contemporary society.
OnlyFans, launched in 2016, is a subscription-based platform where creators often share adult content. Reality shows featuring OnlyFans creators have become increasingly popular, with streaming services and networks commissioning series that follow their lives. This is not the first time a religious venue has been used for a controversial production — in recent years, churches in the UK and US have faced similar backlash after allowing filming for music videos or television shows deemed inappropriate.
The current controversy erupted after news of the filming broke via a parishioner’s social media post. Both local and national media quickly picked up the story, with religious conservatives and progressive commentators weighing in.
Key Perspectives
[St John’s Cathedral leadership]: They argue the decision was made after due diligence, reflecting a policy of cultural engagement. They see the show as a platform to demonstrate openness and hospitality, suggesting the cathedral can be a space for dialogue about modern issues.
[Critics and conservative Christian groups]: They maintain that allowing a show about OnlyFans — a platform synonymous with sex work — normalises exploitation and profanes holy ground. The Australian Christian Lobby and some parishioners have called for an apology and stricter vetting of future productions.
[Reality TV producers and free speech advocates]: While silent in this case, broader industry voices might argue that artistic expression and commercial ventures should not be unreasonably restricted. They point out that many religious venues host weddings, concerts, and other secular events without controversy.
What to Watch
- Parishioner forum outcome: The cathedral’s scheduled meeting may reveal the depth of internal dissent and could prompt policy changes.
- Broadcast details: When the episode airs, public reaction may intensify; the network or streaming service may face calls to edit or remove scenes.
- Broader church reactions: The Anglican Diocese of Brisbane and the national Anglican Church may issue statements or guidelines, affecting other cathedrals and churches across Australia.