by Patricia L. Guilfoyle,

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (CNS) – Led by Bishop Peter J. Jugis, Catholics in the Charlotte Diocese were protesting a newly opened play for its “gravely offensive” portrayal of Mary as a lesbian and its mocking of the virgin birth.

“The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told,” which opened Feb. 2 at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center in Charlotte, also retells the Creation story with two homosexual couples.

“The implication that the Blessed Virgin Mary is a lesbian is gravely offensive to Catholics and to all Christians, who hold Mary in the highest regard as the mother of the Savior,” Bishop Jugis wrote in a Jan. 31 letter to the performing arts center.

“Please do not allow this play to be performed. Please cancel these performances out of consideration for the religious sensibilities of Christians and all people of good will.”

Written by Paul Rudnick in 1998, the play is being performed by the Queen City Theatre Company and was scheduled to run until Feb. 18.

According to The Catholic News Herald, Charlotte’s diocesan newspaper, a statement from Glenn T. Griffin, the theater company’s artistic director, was e-mailed to one of the Catholic laypeople opposing the play.

Griffin defended the play and refused to cancel it, saying: “QCTC will strive to create theater that not only entertains but enriches, educates, and challenges our audience. We are a theater company that is known for producing works that make people think.”

Charlotte Catholics organized a Holy Hour of reparation and rosary.