As reported by Howard Rosenberg of the "L.A. Times" in June of 1999, Fox caved to the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, and changed a reference to the Catholic religion in the "Sunday, Cruddy Sunday" episode which originally aired after the Super Bowl in January.

To fans and most of the press, this decision seems ludicrous considering that "The Simpsons" has ridiculed every race, religion, weight, sex, and age possible.

"The Simpsons" is not only a comedy, but also a cartoon. The show has become famous because of its jabs at everyone.

Now, it seems, Catholics will be excluded from any satire. But other religions are fair game, according to executive producer Mike Scully. Roland McFarland, Fox vice president of broadcast standards, originally asked if the "Catholic Church" reference could be changed to just "religion." When Scully hesitated, McFarland reportedly suggested changing the reference to "Methodists, Presbyterians or Baptists." "When I asked what would be the difference changing it to another religion...he explained that Fox had already had trouble with Catholics earlier in the season," Scully explained.

Scully refers to the trouble Fox had with "Ally McBeal" when the show made jokes about priests and pedophilia. The network came under fire from the Catholic League, but stood its ground. "The Simpsons" did not receive the same support.

"The Simpsons" joke in question occurs when a driver pulls into a gas station and beeps for service.

Three attractive women begin pumping gas and wiping windows. Then he notices the crucifix one woman is wearing, and the voiceover says, "The Catholic Church ? we've made a few ? changes." In the re-run, it just said "the church."

For more information, see "The Simpsons" Archive news section.