Actor Mel Gibson says the Catholic Church needs to “get back to basics” after years of scandals.
The Catholic actor will star alongside Mark Wahlberg, also a Catholic, in the upcoming religious film “Father Stu,” which is slated for release this Easter.
The 66-year-old told Extra that the Catholic Church could do some “cleaning up” following successive scandals around corruption and sexual abuse.
Gibson, who directed “The Passion of the Christ” in 2004, said he wanted “Father Stu” to show there was a good side to the Church too.
“Of course, it’s lamentable everything that happened,” he said.
“Like any institution, [the Church is]susceptible to corruption. And, you know, it’s sad to see, but as always, I don’t think the institution is at fault,” he said.
“I think a lot of people are taking part in it. Institutions are as good or as bad as the people running them. Times are a bit difficult right now and my question is who is hiring? [the bishops]? I don’t think it’s Jesus. Is it [Pope] Frances? Who hires Francis? Is it [Inca Goddess] Pachamama?”
He said a little “housekeeping” could help improve the Church’s position.
“I think it’s going to have to be cleaned up. We’re going to have to come back to some sort of balance in the future,” he said.
