This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-42075110

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Australian school apologises for 'suggestive' saint statue Australian school apologises for 'suggestive' saint statue
(35 minutes later)
An Australian school has covered a statue from view because of its "potentially suggestive" depiction of a saint handing a loaf of bread to a boy.An Australian school has covered a statue from view because of its "potentially suggestive" depiction of a saint handing a loaf of bread to a boy.
The Catholic school in Adelaide apologised on Wednesday for the statue, which was completed recently.The Catholic school in Adelaide apologised on Wednesday for the statue, which was completed recently.
The sculpture, portraying St Martin de Porres, was widely criticised after images of it were posted online.The sculpture, portraying St Martin de Porres, was widely criticised after images of it were posted online.
The unfortunate position of the loaf of bread held by the saint led to some misreading the scene.
Blackfriars Priory School said it had commissioned a new sculptor to "substantially alter" the design.Blackfriars Priory School said it had commissioned a new sculptor to "substantially alter" the design.
In a message posted on Facebook, principal Simon Cobiac apologised to the school community for "any concerns and publicity" caused by the statue.In a message posted on Facebook, principal Simon Cobiac apologised to the school community for "any concerns and publicity" caused by the statue.
He said the school had approved its design and commissioned a sculptor in Vietnam, but "upon arrival the three-dimensional statue was deemed by the [school] to be potentially suggestive".He said the school had approved its design and commissioned a sculptor in Vietnam, but "upon arrival the three-dimensional statue was deemed by the [school] to be potentially suggestive".
The Adelaide Advertiser newspaper said the statue had been installed last week and later covered with a black cloth.The Adelaide Advertiser newspaper said the statue had been installed last week and later covered with a black cloth.
It drew public attention after an image of the statue was posted on a popular Adelaide Instagram account, where it attracted hundreds of comments.It drew public attention after an image of the statue was posted on a popular Adelaide Instagram account, where it attracted hundreds of comments.
"Who designed that...surely someone has to say 'mmm big mistake'," wrote one commenter, in a sentiment echoed by many."Who designed that...surely someone has to say 'mmm big mistake'," wrote one commenter, in a sentiment echoed by many.
Mr Cobiac said the design had been intended as a "depiction of the tireless work of St Martin de Porres, a Dominican brother, for the poor and downtrodden of the 16th Century".Mr Cobiac said the design had been intended as a "depiction of the tireless work of St Martin de Porres, a Dominican brother, for the poor and downtrodden of the 16th Century".