Footage of FPC Protest against Jesus Christ Superstar

Free Presbyterian Protest against "Jesus Christ Superstar” at Newry Town Hall

A Free Presbyterian protest took place last night in Newry against the blasphemous musical "Jesus Christ Superstar". The following account is given by Rev Paul Hanna, minister of Mount Merrion FPC, one of the ministers who organised the protest. [Film footage of the protest is included at the end of this report.]

Around 6:30pm on the cold, brisk evening of Thursday 14th March 2019, a crowd of concerned Free Presbyterians started to gather outside the front of Newry Town Hall.

Protest Against Jesus Christ Superstar

 Last night [Monday 16th February 2015] a Free Presbyterian protest was held against Jesus Christ Superstar, which opened at the Grand Opera House, Belfast. A specially prepared F.P.C. leaflet [click here for an online version] highlighting the slanderous attack upon the person and work of Jesus Christ, contained in this 'rock opera', was distributed to people attending the first performance.

After the leaflets were distributed the group sang the hymn: I am not ashamed to own my Lord or to defend His cause and Rev. Raymond Robinson (Kesh FPC & Convenor of the FPC Government & Morals Committee) led in prayer. 

Protest against Jesus Christ Superstar

A Free Presbyterian protest was held outside the Grand Opera House in Belfast on Saturday afternoon 5th November 2011 against the production entitled: Jesus Christ Superstar. Over 20 people took part in the protest. Other ministers in attendance were Rev. John Woods [John Knox Mem. FPC], Rev. Philip Gardiner [Carrickfergus FPC], Rev. David Priestley [Bangor FPC], Rev. Graham Middleton [Donaghadee FPC], Rev David McLaughlin [Carryduff FPC] and myself.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the first production for the stage in Broadway of this opera whose lyrics were written by Tim Rice and the music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. 

Around 400 specially prepared leaflets highlighting the slanderous attack upon the person and work of Jesus Christ contained in this 'rock opera', were distributed to people attending the final day's performance.

After the leaflets were distributed a short service was held following the protest. After the singing of the hymn: I am not ashamed to own my Lord or to defend His cause, Rev. David McLaughlin (Carryduff FPC) led in prayer. I then spoke on John 5:22,23: For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

Two opportunities arose during the protest to highlight our concerns to those involved in this production on the Grand Opera House.  One of the show's producers approached Rev. Priestley concerning the reasons behind the protest. When Rev Priestley objected to the content surrounding the portrayal of Christ's relationship with Mary Magdalene this Directer acknowledged that they had removed these scenes and replaced them with scenes from the resurrection. Another conversation took place with the chief Executive  of the Grand Opera House, who also took one of the leaflets.

Jesus Christ Superstar - an utter blasphemy!!!

The 'rock opera' entitled 'Jesus Christ Superstar' is once again coming to the Grand Opera House, Belfast.

The Ulster Operatic Company is staging Jesus Christ Superstar to mark the 40th anniversary of the original stage production on Broadway in 1971. The Grand Opera House's website states:

Jesus Christ Superstar is a rock opera that highlights the political and interpersonal struggles between Judas Iscariot and Jesus. It is based loosely on the Gospels’ account of the last week of Jesus’ life, beginning with the preparation for the arrival of Jesus and his disciples in Jerusalem, and ending with the crucifixion.

Jesus Christ Superstar was the first musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to be produced for the professional stage.

This 'rock opera' is highly questionable, insulting to Christians and ultimately blasphemous to Christ.

Leaving aside the medium of an opera and a rock opera at that, when the name, character and work of our Saviour Jesus Christ is slandered, in the fashion that it is in this opera, we need to raise our objection to it. It would be a dereliction of duty to Christ to remain silent.

If someone slanders the name and character of our best friend we would be so rightly incensed that we would have to show our disgust and opposition to such a thing. In highlighting our opposition to this opera we are showing our disgust at those who slander the name and person of Jesus Christ.