Doc on papyrus fragment purporting that Jesus had wife delayed amid doubts

BOSTON – The Smithsonian Channel says the premiere of its documentary on a papyrus fragment that purports to show Jesus referring to his wife is being delayed until further tests can be done.

Research about the fourth-century Coptic papyrus fragment was released last month by Harvard Divinity School professor Karen King. She said it didn’t prove Jesus was married, only that some early Christians believed he was.

Scholars immediately raised doubts about its authenticity and questioned its lack of known archaeological provenance.

The documentary was scheduled to debut Sept. 30. But the channel’s general manager says it will be delayed “until the document undergoes additional tests.”

Tom Hayden says the program will consider such doubts and the results of the tests. He said that will make for a “more complete story.”