The approval of a controversial music video by pop star Sabrina Carpenter, filmed inside a Brooklyn church, has led to the removal of a priest and reignited concerns about the cultural assault on Christian values in America. Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, who served as pastor at Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Annunciation Parish, was relieved of his duties by Bishop Robert Brennan following an investigation that uncovered violations of diocesan protocols, including unauthorized financial transfers.
Priest replaced after Sabrina Carpenter shoots music video in his church https://t.co/AJBdjf2Icm
— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) November 20, 2024
Carpenter’s music video for “Feather” featured her dancing provocatively in front of the church’s altar, with faux coffins arranged around her. The diocese quickly condemned the video, stating that it was inappropriate for a place of worship. Gigantiello acknowledged that allowing the filming was a lapse in judgment but insisted he did not realize how provocative the video would be.
However, the investigation revealed deeper issues beyond the video. Gigantiello was found to have made unauthorized transfers of parish funds to accounts linked to Frank Carone, a former top aide to New York City Mayor Eric Adams. These financial transactions, which were not properly documented or approved, further tarnished his reputation and exposed the growing tensions between religious institutions and secular forces.
NYC priest who allowed Sabrina Carpenter to shoot a music video in church further stripped of duties https://t.co/bDfSyNUFDH
— The Associated Press (@AP) November 19, 2024
Priest Jamie Gigantiello who let Sabrina Carpenter shoot provocative music video in church is stripped of dutieshttps://t.co/jt8DJly2Qw pic.twitter.com/Ct0Qj7kdpa
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) November 20, 2024
This incident underscores a larger cultural problem: the persistent attack on Christian institutions and values. Carpenter’s video, which received backlash for its provocative nature in a sacred space, is indicative of the way in which popular culture increasingly undermines traditional Christian morals. It is part of a broader trend of secularization that seeks to strip away the influence of religion in public life.
In response to the scandal, Bishop Brennan removed Gigantiello from all administrative roles and appointed Bishop Witold Mroziewski as the new administrator of the parish. The diocese also conducted a spiritual rite to restore the church’s sanctity. The swift action was seen as necessary to preserve the integrity of the church and protect its financial resources from further mismanagement.
As the investigation continues, this incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle between Christian values and the secular, media-driven culture that often seeks to diminish the importance of religion in society. The fallout from this video and its connection to deeper financial issues highlights the need for a stronger defense of American values in the face of a culture increasingly hostile to Christianity.
