Isaac Hayes has quit “South Park,” where he voices Chef, saying he can no longer stomach its take on religion. Hayes, who has played the school cook in the animated Comedy Central satire since 1997, said in a statement Monday that he feels a line has been crossed.

“There is a place in this world for satire, but there is a time when satire ends and intolerance and bigotry towards religious beliefs of others begins.”

“Religious beliefs are sacred to people, and at all times should be respected and honored. As a civil rights activist of the past 40 years, I cannot support a show that disrespects those beliefs and practices.”

Isaac Hayes, voice of Chef

Last November, “South Park” targeted the Church of Scientology and its celebrity followers, including actors Tom Cruise and John Travolta, in an episode titled “Trapped in the Closet.” In the episode, Stan, one of the show’s four mischievous fourth graders, is hailed as a reluctant savior by Scientology leaders, while a cartoon Cruise locks himself in a closet and won’t come out.

“This is 100 percent having to do with his faith of Scientology. He has no problem and he’s cashed plenty of checks with our show making fun of Christians.”

Matt Stone, South Park co-creator

What Is Chef Smoking?

Are you kidding? Now, if you’re a fan of “South Park,” even a casual fan, you know they make fun of everything and everybody. That’s what they do. And apparently, Isaac Hayes had no problems with the “boys” poking fun at Jews, Catholics, Christians, and Muslims– which they did quite often.

But they do a show on Scientology and he freaks out? This isn’t even a religion, it’s a cult! To be able to make fun of another man’s religion, but scoff at the idea when the time comes to joke about yours is totally bigoted, and quite stupid. What’s more of a joke, believing in a virgin birth or having to pay money for enlightenment? I don’t know, but they are both pretty insane.

Diff’rent Strokes

Hey Isaac, if you want to be in a cult, that’s your thing. But if you can dish it out, you’d better be ready to take the hits when they come your way. You’re just a one-hit wonder in the music industry, as you have become in television. Hayes will be appearing on “That 70s Show” this Spring.

If I know the creators of “South Park,” I predict you haven’t heard the last of Scientology. I’ll be waiting for that episode!

Update! 03.18.06 – Comedy Central pulls episode from lineup. Is this censorship? Did they bow down to Tom Cruise? Why am I asking you?