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Big Love Temple Scene Riles Mormons

HBO apologizes for upcoming episode highlighting sacred LDS ceremony

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 11, 2009 2:46 AM CDT

(Newser) – HBO will air an episode of the polygamy drama Big Love depicting a sacred Mormon ceremony despite strong objections from the church, the Salt Lake Tribune reports. The network apologized to Mormons likely to be offended, while the series' creators defended the temple scene, saying it's depicted with reverence, and adheres to guidelines from a former Mormon who was hired to ensure accuracy.

We "researched it out the wazoo," one creator said of the scene, which shows a rite only church members in good standing are allowed to witness. A statement from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints accused HBO of insensitivity and of blurring the line between the real church and the show's fictional modern-day Utah polygamists. The episode is due to air this Sunday.

Big Love cast members Ginnifer Goodwin, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Bill Paxton and Chloe Sevigny pose together at the show's third season premiere early this year in Los Angeles.
"Big Love" cast members Ginnifer Goodwin, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Bill Paxton and Chloe Sevigny pose together at the show's third season premiere early this year in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Jeanne Tripplehorn, who plays a sister wife in the HBO polygamy series Big Love, arrives at the show's third season premiere in Los Angeles.
Jeanne Tripplehorn, who plays a "sister wife" in the HBO polygamy series "Big Love," arrives at the show's third season premiere in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chloe Sevigny, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Ginnifer Goodwin and Bill Paxton are shown in a scene of the sister wives in a scene from Big Love.
Chloe Sevigny, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Ginnifer Goodwin and Bill Paxton are shown in a scene of the "sister wives" in a scene from "Big Love".   (AP Photo/HBO, Lacey Terrell)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Thinker
Mar 11, 2009 7:00 AM CDT
I used to respect Mormons. Then they started getting involved in politics, affecting secular lawmaking, and fighting against the rights of non-Mormons. I have no respect for them or their religion. I say show everything, and eliminate their tax-exempt status. And show all their dirty laundry on television so others will know how crazy they all are.
Mad
Mar 11, 2009 1:47 AM CDT
I gave up Mormonism for Lent -- Oh wait, they don't practice Lent; but still
Newser001
Mar 11, 2009 12:24 AM CDT
"Big Love' is stunningly Insightful and thought provoking. The writing, impeccable, production values, spot on. One of the best productions on TV, today... It provides us a rare insight into the Mormon world, its politics and hidden rituals / methodologies; cult. The next time Mormon missionary visits my home, I'll invite them to debate the inconsistencies of their beliefs... I look forward to the secretive / sacred Mormon temple ceremony, despite their strong objections. There're too many baffling aspects to this faith, as with most theologies.

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