The Church of England has once again stirred international controversy, this time over a provocative graffiti-style art installation inside the hallowed walls of Canterbury Cathedral, one of Christianity’s most historic and sacred sites.
The installation, titled “Hear Us,” features brightly colored, removable sticker graphics displaying handwritten questions to God — such as “Are you there?”, “Why did you create hate when love is by far more powerful?”, and “What happens when we die?” The artwork has been plastered across the medieval walls of the cathedral, which dates back to 597 AD and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The oldest cathedral in England, Canterbury Cathedral, established in 597 AD by St. Augustine.
— Tommy Robinson 🇬🇧 (@TRobinsonNewEra) October 10, 2025
It was founded to reintroduce Christianity to the Anglo-Saxons.
Now, done up like this by a "Modern artist" who doesn't know what gender they are.
Nothing is sacred! pic.twitter.com/Vp7tOjMgQv
According to the Cathedral, the exhibition is part of a project that seeks to “partner with marginalised communities — such as Punjabi, black and brown diaspora, neurodivergent, and LGBTQIA+ groups — to collaboratively create handwritten literature responding to the question: ‘What would you ask God?’”
The project was developed by “vegan/queer” poet Alex Vellis, who uses they/them pronouns, alongside curator Jacquiline Creswell, and is set to run from October 17, 2025, through January 18, 2026.
Outrage Over ‘Ugly’ Modernism in Sacred Space
The reaction has been swift and polarizing, both in the UK and internationally. Critics argue that the installation disrespects and dilutes the spiritual and historical sanctity of the cathedral.
I felt certain that this was AI.
— Miss Jo (@therealmissjo) October 10, 2025
I looked it up.
This is Canterbury Cathedral. Founded by St Augustine in 597 AD, history literally oozes from the stones.
Now the stones have been covered with graffiti, with the permission of the cathedral’s dean. It looks more like an… pic.twitter.com/kcJ3XJ1H1t
U.S. Vice President JD Vance remarked, “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.”
Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) wrote on social media, “It’s tragic how great Nations are fallen. Consumed by self-destructive pathologies embraced by their ‘elites.’ God help England.”
Even local parishioners were critical. One congregant reportedly described the installation as “sacrilegious” while another likened the cathedral’s new look to “an underground car park in Peckham.”
Defenders Say Art Sparks Honest Questions
Despite the backlash, the Dean of Canterbury, Very Rev David Monteith, defended the exhibition as an invitation to explore deep spiritual questions.
“This exhibition intentionally builds bridges between cultures, styles and genres and in particular allows us to receive the gifts of younger people who have much to say and from whom we need to hear much,” said Monteith.
“There is a rawness which is magnified by the graffiti style which is disruptive,” he added. “People will love or hate our ‘Hear Us’ installation, no question… But rather than react just on the basis of a few online comments, I would encourage people to come and experience the artworks for themselves.”
A Church in Cultural Crisis?
The installation comes just days after the Church of England announced that Right Rev Dame Sarah Mullally will become the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, replacing Justin Welby, who stepped down amid scandal and increasing accusations of ideological drift in the church.
Welby, who was accused of covering up child abuse within the church, frequently drew criticism for embracing progressive political positions on issues ranging from immigration to climate change to gender identity — a trend that many believe Mullally will continue.
Mullally has previously expressed support for blessing same-sex couples within the Anglican Communion and has been openly critical of immigration deportation policies, suggesting a continuation of what many critics call a “woke” trajectory for the Church.
Sacred Heritage or Political Platform?
Canterbury Cathedral, founded by St. Augustine in 597 AD and made famous by the 1170 martyrdom of Archbishop Thomas Becket, has stood for centuries as a symbol of spiritual reverence and religious continuity in England. It played a prominent role in the English Reformation and remains the spiritual heart of the global Anglican Communion.
Critics of the “Hear Us” installation argue that art projects like this one undermine the cathedral’s sacred role and heritage. Supporters counter that questioning, wrestling with faith, and including “marginalized voices” are essential to the church’s modern mission.
As the Church of England moves further into progressive political territory, debates like this are likely to continue — over not just art and aesthetics, but the very identity and future of one of the world’s oldest Christian institutions.
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