The Dean of Brisbane's historic St John's Cathedral, Peter Catt, has announced his retirement after an 18-year tenure was brought to an abrupt end by controversy surrounding the cathedral's involvement in a streaming reality series focused on the adult-content industry. Catt made the announcement on Thursday following what he described as "prayerful reflection" and discussions with Brisbane Archbishop Jeremy Greaves and the cathedral team.
How the OnlyFans Reality Show Sparked the Controversy
The 125-year-old St John's Cathedral featured in the sixth episode of Turned On: Dirty Sexy Money, a Stan reality series that follows individuals working in the adult-content industry. The episode centred on UK-based OnlyFans creator Lily Phillips, who sought to reconnect with her Christian faith before taking part in a religious ceremony inside the cathedral.
During filming, Catt invited Phillips to the altar and posed the traditional questions of Christian commitment — whether she turned to Christ, renounced evil and repented of her sins — to which she responded "I do." The group also participated in communion.
Catt said he had understood the production to be a documentary about an influencer attempting to reconnect with her faith after being excluded from religious communities due to her sex work. "I come from a place of faith, love and acceptance and I believe everyone has the right to connect with their faith," he wrote in a letter to the cathedral community. "But I understand my decision has caused distress and concern within the faith community."
Congregation Footage the Breaking Point
A significant part of the fallout stemmed from footage that appeared in the program showing members of the congregation, including children — people Catt says he had never agreed to include. His arrangement with the producers, he stated, was limited strictly to his own participation.
"I deeply regret that this happened and unreservedly apologise," Catt wrote, acknowledging he had failed to put sufficient protections in place around the filming process.
Following a request from the Anglican Diocese of Brisbane, Stan removed or blurred footage featuring individuals other than Catt. The producers acknowledged the error and apologised for accidentally including congregation members in the broadcast version of the episode.
Diocese Reviews Filming Policies
The controversy has prompted broader scrutiny of how church properties manage filming and media access. Archbishop Greaves acknowledged there were "a number of gaps" in the approval process, and the Anglican Diocese of Brisbane has since moved to review its policies around filming at churches and other church-owned properties.
In his farewell letter to the cathedral community, Catt said he was "deeply saddened by the impact on all concerned" and had concluded it was time to "conclude this chapter of his ministry." He framed his original decision to participate as an expression of faith and inclusion, while accepting responsibility for the outcome.
What Comes Next for Peter Catt and St John's Cathedral
Catt is currently on annual leave and is expected to return in mid-September. His final Sunday leading services as Dean is scheduled for 27 September 2026, drawing the curtain on nearly two decades at one of Queensland's most prominent Anglican churches.
The cathedral, a landmark of Brisbane's built heritage, now faces a transition period as the diocese determines the path forward for its leadership. No announcement regarding a successor has been made at this stage.
The episode remains a striking case study in the tensions between institutional faith communities and the expanding world of online adult content — and the complex questions that arise when the two unexpectedly intersect.
