The Mocking Of Jesus: Crucified 'Star Wars' Stormtrooper Hung In London Episcopal Church

Image Credit: Ryan Callanan

British street artist Ryan Callanan created the "Crucified Stormtrooper" for a charity auction and art exhibit hosted by St. Stephen Walbrook Church, which is located in Central London.

Per the Kansas City Star, the exhibit, which opened Thursday, hung the sculpture "at the front of the church by the altar as part of a crucifixion-themed exhibit called 'Stations of the Cross' that includes 13 other art pieces."

"Parishioners took one look at the life-size Stormtrooper in full battle gear, arms outstretched on a wooden cross, and some decided they didn't like it."

One member of the church, whose name is unknown, told The Telegraph: "It's a bit silly really. Why use our church? It's plainly offensive to Christians, to be honest."

Others who were interviewed didn't seem to mind the edgy exhibit.

"I didn't find the big crucifixion offensive," said one nun. "It's not my taste, but there you go."

The church's rector, Rev. Jonathan Evens, reportedly received quite a few complaints and quickly dispatched a priest to the area where the sculpture was hanging to determine whether or not it should be removed.

Ben Moore, the organizer of the charity auction, said its purpose was to raise money for the Missing Tom Fund; a fundraiser that was created to help find his brother, Tom Moore, who has been missing since 2003.

While speaking to the Daily Mail, Moore said, "I explained the meaning of the piece, the way that some of them saw it, is a Stormtrooper is a very negative character."

"I like to think of it as a New Hope — such as in the new 'Star Wars' film, where John Boyega rebels against the dark side and fights for something good. I didn’t intend to upset anyone, I like to raise awareness for my missing brother."

Watch popular YouTuber A Call For An Uprising discuss the controversial art piece: