Canterbury Cathedral, the historic heart of the Anglican Church, has permitted graffiti by self-identified “marginalized” artists, sparking widespread condemnation. The controversial installation, titled Hear Us, features slogans such as “Are you there?” and “Is illness sin?” etched onto the 1,400-year-old structure’s walls, pillars, and floors.
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance criticized the decision, calling it “sacrilegious” and highlighting the irony of using a sacred space to promote divisive agendas. “It is weird to me that these people don’t see the irony of honoring ‘marginalized communities’ by making a beautiful historical building really ugly,” he stated on X.
David Monteith, the openly homosexual Dean of Canterbury, defended the project, claiming it “builds bridges between cultures” and amplifies the voices of younger generations. The move follows recent controversies within the Church of England, including the appointment of Sarah Mullally as the first woman Archbishop of Canterbury, a decision criticized for its progressive stance on social issues.
Visitors described the cathedral as resembling an “underground car park,” while others decried the destruction of a cultural landmark. The incident underscores deepening tensions within the Anglican communion over evolving values and the preservation of historical heritage.
