Cathedral Priest Steps Down After Accidentally Featuring Adult Content Creator Lily Phillips in Stan Programme

Brisbane-based cathedral priest Peter Catt will leave his role on 27 September after a Stan programme featuring adult content creator Lily Phillips included footage of congregation members and children, according to his letter reported by 7News.

For context, Catt, the dean of St John's Cathedral, had agreed to participate in a documentary series that followed Phillips exploring a reconnection with Christianity. He said the arrangement was limited to his participation and did not extend to other members of the cathedral community.

Catt said his decision to leave followed 'prayerful reflection' and consultation with Brisbane archbishop Jeremy Greaves. He apologised for the inclusion of worshippers in the broadcast while explaining why he had initially agreed to take part.

Why Catt Welcomed Lily Phillips to the Cathedral

The cathedral appeared in the Stan series, whose eventual title, Catt said, was assigned after he agreed to participate.

During the programme, Catt asked Phillips whether she had renounced evil and repented for her sins following her work in the sex industry. They then took part in communion.

In his letter, the dean explained that his involvement reflected his belief that people should have access to their faith. He also acknowledged the distress his decision had caused within the community.

'I come from a place of faith, love and acceptance and I believe everyone has the right to connect with their faith. But, I understand my decision has caused distress and concern within the faith community.'

His account distinguished between welcoming Phillips and including other worshippers in the programme. The scope of the filming agreement mattered here.

What Went Beyond the Lily Phillips Filming Agreement

'My arrangement with the producers was limited to my own participation and no other members of the cathedral community,' Catt wrote.

'However, footage taken during filming, including members of our congregation and children, was included in the programme when it first aired. I deeply regret that this happened and unreservedly apologise.'

Catt said the producers had acknowledged an error and subsequently changed the footage. That description of their response was contained in his letter.

'The producers have apologised and acknowledged their error in accidentally including members of the congregation, and have blurred or removed anyone who was shown,' he wrote.

His account therefore described both the original inclusion of worshippers and action taken after the broadcast. It did not explain how footage outside his agreed involvement came to be included.

Lily Phillips Separately Apologised Over a Pregnancy Announcement

Phillips had also addressed a separate pregnancy announcement in an interview with Metro, acknowledging that she regretted faking it. Her comments concerned her own conduct, rather than the cathedral's filming arrangements.

In February 2025, she shared photographs of herself cradling what appeared to be a bump, together with two positive pregnancy tests.

'I think when you are constantly evolving and learning on the job, you do make mistakes, and it's awkward for me because that mistake is in the public eye,' she said.

'I didn't realise how much effect it would have on women and deep down what I was putting out there. I am sorry, and I regret doing that.'

Catt, meanwhile, told his cathedral community he was 'deeply saddened by the impact on all concerned'. In announcing his departure, he said it was time to end 'this chapter of his ministry'.