Much of the leading front of artistic revolution must fight for itself, and fund itself, I'm sure. Art, like opinion, will offend someone all the time, and maybe everyone some of the time. And someone gets to decide what to show and how to show it. I'll admit to some acute unease while viewing the Maplethorpe exhibit, though I agree with Sheila that it was tastefully presented by the institution. I think this is different from offense, but I won't quibble it.
Offense includes unease as well as outrage.
I don't think the Brooklyn Museum was founded to challenge Catholics to think outside the box any more than anyone else, so how they selected and displayed two rounds of exhibitions would seem to be inappropriate. IF the first exhibit was in fact orchestrated to enhance the value of a private collector's work, it was highly inappropriate and heads should roll. IF they were using anti-Catholic examples purely to create PR for the institution, there should be real consequences to include the outright ousting of the board and all key officers. I believe the Brooklyn Museum IS a public institution, afterall. Once again, a topic that really caused me to reflect and learn.