FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MARCH 30, 2007

STATEMENT OF CARDINAL EGAN, ARCHBISHOP OF NEW YORK

"The media have reported that a so-called "work of art," manifestly intended to offend the Christians of our community, will be displayed during Holy Week in the Roger Smith Hotel in Manhattan.  It is a scandalous carving of Jesus Christ allegedly made out of chocolate.  What the Roger Smith Hotel would hope to achieve by this sickening display, no one seems to know.  The Catholic community is alerted to this offense of our faith and sensitivities.  This is something we will not forget."