The Evangelische Omroep (EO), one of many confessional TV stations in the Dutch public broadcasting system, had announced plans for a comedy show in which non-religious comedians were asked to poke fun at Jesus. But the show was cancelled before it was aired after EO viewers threatened to cancel their membership.

An EO spokesperson said the station's intentions were misunderstood. "People thought we only wanted to tell jokes about God when what we really wanted was an open conversation with God." The decision to cancel was taken "because we didn't want to offend people needlessly."

The show's working title was "Loopt een man over het water..." ("Man walks on water...", a play on words on "Man walks into a bar...)

The spokesperson refused to say how many members cancelled their subscription. (The Dutch public broadcasting system relies on membership.) "We have had positive reactions as well, but there have been cancellations."

Arie Boomsma, the show's host, said he was disappointed by the decision. "The format was a unique opportunity to challenge prejudices and to start an open and honest conversation about Jesus. It's a pity that we have been denied this opportunity," Boomsma said.

EO director Arjan Lock said the station remains committed to "engaging in a conversation with people who do not know God." He said the decision to cancel was taken after "a critical re-evaluation of the format."