Peter Catt, the dean of Brisbane’s St John’s Cathedral, is to retire after the Anglican church became embroiled in a row over filming for Stan’s OnlyFans reality series Turned On: Dirty Sexy Money.
Dr Catt announced his decision after what he described as “prayerful reflection” and discussions with Brisbane Archbishop Jeremy Greaves and the cathedral team. He said he had failed to ensure adequate safeguards were in place before the production entered the 125-year-old cathedral.
His final Sunday as dean will be 27 September 2026, following his return from annual leave in mid-September. He has led St John’s Cathedral for 18 years.
In a letter to the cathedral community, Dr Catt said he was “deeply saddened by the impact on all concerned” and had concluded it was time to bring “this chapter of his ministry” to an end.
The controversy centres on the sixth episode of the Stan series, which follows people working in the adult-content industry. It featured British OnlyFans creator Lily Phillips taking part in a religious ceremony inside St John’s as she attempted to reconnect with her Christian faith.
During the filming, Dr Catt invited Ms Phillips to the altar and asked whether she turned to Christ, renounced evil and repented of her sins. She replied “I do”, before taking part in communion with other members of the group.
Dr Catt said he had believed the production was a documentary about an influencer seeking to return to Christianity after being excluded from religious communities because of her work in the sex industry.
“It was my decision for the Cathedral to participate in a television show that was later named Turned On: Dirty Sexy Money,” he said.
“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.”
Archbishop Greaves has said he was shocked by the finished programme and that discussions with cathedral staff suggested the producers had misled the dean about the nature of the series. He said it appeared to have been presented as a documentary exploring faith and the experience of someone previously excluded from the church because of sex work. ([mediaweek.com.au](https://www.mediaweek.com.au/stan-faces-backlash-over-onlyfans-cathedral-shoot))
The production company, Mischief & Wonder, said it had obtained permission to film directly from Dr Catt. It also confirmed that some people shown in footage from the cathedral were removed at the church’s request. Filming took place in mid-April and the series became available on Stan in June. ([mediaweek.com.au](https://www.mediaweek.com.au/stan-faces-backlash-over-onlyfans-cathedral-shoot))
Dr Catt apologised after footage of congregation members and children appeared in the episode, saying his agreement with the producers had covered only his own participation.
“However, footage taken during filming, including members of our congregation and children, was included in the programme when it first aired,” he said. “I deeply regret that this happened and unreservedly apologise.”
Stan later removed or blurred footage featuring people other than Dr Catt after the Anglican Diocese of Brisbane requested changes, he said.
The dispute has prompted the diocese to review its policies for filming at churches and other Anglican properties. Archbishop Greaves acknowledged that there were “a number of gaps” in the approval process and ordered an immediate review of the procedures governing access for third-party productions.
