So back in 1979 when it was released this rather infamous debate transpired between them and a bishop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgKFWnZLgdc

Exact same sort of asshole and arguments as today. He called them blasphemers and tried to cancel them. During the commercial break he would lean in to John Cleese and say "this is great television" with a wink.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mervyn_Stockwood#Later_life_an...

The two ### (you forgot the "journalist") had not seen the (whole) movie, they arrived at the theater late.

The Life of Brian was banned in Ireland until 1987