I thought it was funny.
No matter whether we believe in them or not, we have to be able to separate the teachings of Christ from the church. And I did not see that joke as an attack on the christian faith. Only making a bit of fun of the rigid hierarchy which incidentally, is all too human, and contradicts the teachings Christ in more ways than it follows it.
Honestly, I find it more offensive that there are still people to defend this vile and corrupted organization. It's like praising the mafia because they inject money in our economy and promised one's family security if he looks away.
Actually, that's bad-mouthing the mafia.
I had no idea that fairies was a slang term for homosexuals. I don't care much that Starise used it - my own brother whom I love with all my heart is gay and he calls himself much worst than that. (one would never guess seeing him and he could probably smash one's skull in if he wanted to, so I would advise not calling him "fairie" ;)
I guess we are also reading what we put into it - I can see how in view of the other active discussion about religion this may rub someone the wrong way. OTOH, that's interpretation. It would be just as easy for me to see a comment about "fairies" as anything but inoffensive when it comes from anyone who believes in a book which explicitly states that homosexuality is "detestable" and is still quoted everywhere where there is an anti-gay rallye.