Several major MAGA figures, including Vice President JD Vance, have spoken out against Canterbury Cathedral covering its walls in graffiti-style stickers.
Canterbury Cathedral, Britain’s oldest cathedral, has taken part in an art exhibition called “Hear Us,” with questions for God printed in a graffiti style to “build bridges between cultures.”
Vance is one of several MAGA figures who have spoken out against the exhibition, saying it has “made a beautiful historical building really ugly.”
The Dean of Canterbury, the Very Rev. Dr. David Monteith, has said that “the reaction graffiti provokes is visceral – and it is this emotional punch that we want ‘Hear Us’ to have.”
Monteith said in a statement to Newsweek: "Rather than react just on the basis of a few online comments, I would encourage people to come and experience the artworks for themselves and to make up their own minds."
"I hope that people will want to think deeply about the questions posed within the artworks," he added.
Why It Matters
The temporary graffiti-style art installation at Canterbury Cathedral—one of Christianity's oldest and most revered sites—has provoked strong reactions internationally.
The exhibition, designed to give voice to marginalized communities, has raised questions about the intersection of tradition, art and social justice in historic sacred spaces.
The controversy also underscores ongoing debates about heritage, inclusivity and culture wars resonating on both sides of the Atlantic.
What People Are Saying
U.S. Vice President JD Vance said in a post on X: “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.”
Texas Senator Ted Cruz said in a post on X: “It’s tragic how great Nations are fallen. Consumed by self-destructive pathologies embraced by their ‘elites.’ God help England.”
Both Vance and Cruz shared a post from Drew Pavlou, an advocate for western civilization, who said on X: “The Church of England decided this week to cover the interior of the oldest cathedral in England in graffiti in order to represent the voices of ‘marginalized communities.’
“The Very Rev David Monteith, Dean of Canterbury, said: ‘There is a rawness which is magnified by the graffiti style, which is disruptive. It is unfiltered and not sanitized.’ This exhibition intentionally builds bridges between cultures, styles and genres and allows us to receive the gifts of younger people who have much to say. It’s actually stunning how much the elite of Britain hate their own culture and civilization.
“You couldn’t even invent this as satire. They are literally scrawling graffiti on the walls of ancient cathedrals. Everything beautiful is just torn down and destroyed.”
The Dean of Canterbury, the Very Rev. Dr. David Monteith said in a statement to Newsweek: “Whilst few would object to profound questions being asked within a place of worship, it’s fair to say that public opinion has been split by the way we’ve visually represented these questions to God in the 'Hear Us' installation.
"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 and to make up their own minds. Rather than be distracted by the esthetics of the graffiti lettering, I hope that people will want to think deeply about the questions posed within the artworks, and experience the sense of meaningful encounter that we want all who come to the Cathedral to have.”
Monteith also said in his public statement: “Seeing this graffiti imagery juxtaposed against the Cathedral’s stonework – much of which is covered with centuries-old scrawled religious markings and historic graffiti – is undoubtedly jarring and will be unacceptable for some. But how can considering sincere questions of faith and meaning within a place of worship be sacrilegious or desperate? Or how can a temporary transfer that will leave no mark or adhesive be seen as vandalism?
“There is a rawness which is magnified by the graffiti style which is disruptive. There is also an authenticity in what is said because it is unfiltered and not tidied up or sanitized. This installation 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.”
What To Know
Canterbury Cathedral's leadership permitted a new temporary art installation, titled “Hear Us,” that covers select interior pillars and walls with vivid, graffiti-style messages and questions directed at God.
The cathedral said in a statement that the exhibition “explores the act of asking God a question, for guidance and understanding in life’s complexities.”
It was put together by art curator Jacquiline Creswell and poet Alex Vellis, who collaborated with “marginalized local communities who did not feel the cathedral was a place for them,” asking them what questions they would ask God.
“Graffiti is often the language of the unheard. It can be a way for the powerless to challenge injustice or inequity, but it can equally be an act of vandalism, division or intimidation,” Monteith said in a statement. “Whichever it is, the reaction graffiti provokes is visceral – and it is this emotional punch that we want ‘Hear Us’ to have.”
“We could easily have rendered the questions to God as medieval-style calligraphy …neatly hung on canvas within the Cathedral, but they would likely have gone unnoticed and unremarked upon – with few, if any, choosing to engage with the questions of faith and meaning at their heart,” he added.
“Hear Us” officially runs from October 17 to January 18 and includes multiple different events.
What Happens Next
The “Hear Us” exhibition is scheduled to remain at Canterbury Cathedral until January 18, 2026. During this period, the cathedral will hold associated events including artist talks and tours focused on the tradition of graffiti in the church’s history.
As debate continues internationally, the cathedral leadership has reiterated that the installation is entirely temporary, intends no lasting alteration or harm, and seeks to foster inclusive dialogue.
