"As a former Catholic, and as someone who even today is not opposed to being called a Christian, I felt I had every right to use the symbols of the Church and resented being told not to"

Andres Serrano's quote speaks with the intricacy of his relationship with the Catholic Church. As a previous Catholic, he still recognizes as a Christian, and feels that he has the right to use the signs of the Church. He reveals animosity at being informed not to, most likely since he feels that his identity as a Christian is being rejected. This quote speaks with the difficulty of navigating spiritual identity, and the stress between personal beliefs and the expectations of a religious organization. It also talks to the power of symbols, and how they can be utilized to reveal identity and connection to a faith. Serrano's quote is a powerful pointer of the importance of appreciating private beliefs and enabling individuals to express their faith in their own way.