A memorial service for a cathedral cat has ignited an unexpected controversy in religious circles, with a bishop publicly condemning the ceremony as “grossly insensitive” during pandemic restrictions. The Dean of Southwark Cathedral recently held a socially distanced thanksgiving service for Doorkins Magnificat, the institution’s beloved resident feline who had become something of a local celebrity during her time at the cathedral.
Famous Cathedral Cat Life and Legacy
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Doorkins Magnificat was far from an ordinary stray cat. During her residency at Southwark Cathedral, she transcended her role as a simple mouser to become a beloved fixture of the historic institution and a remarkable ambassador for the church community.
The cat’s journey to fame began when she simply appeared at the cathedral door and, as Dean Andrew Nunn described it, “chose us and stayed.” What followed was an extraordinary feline career that saw Doorkins become a genuine local celebrity with a significant following.
Her popularity reached such heights that she eventually had her own dedicated social media accounts, which helped attract visitors to the cathedral. Her fame extended even further when she became the star of a children’s book, introducing young readers to the historic cathedral through her feline adventures.
Perhaps most impressively, Doorkins had even encountered royalty during her tenure, having reportedly met Queen Elizabeth II during a royal visit to the cathedral. Few cats can claim such a distinguished visitor to their territory.
After her passing, the cat was laid to rest in the cathedral garden, a fitting final resting place for an animal that had become so intrinsically linked with the spiritual home she had adopted. For many regular visitors and cathedral staff, Doorkins had become more than just a pet – she represented the welcoming spirit of the institution itself.
Controversy Erupts Over Memorial Service
The decision to hold a formal thanksgiving service for Doorkins Magnificat quickly became a flashpoint for debate when the Bishop of Burnley, Phillip North, publicly criticized the event on social media. “Is this a joke? I do hope so,” the Bishop wrote. “If not it’s grossly insensitive to bereaved families and those ministering to them in the North West under the regional Coronavirus restrictions.”
His criticism reflected the painful reality that during the pandemic, many families had been unable to hold proper funeral services for their loved ones due to strict attendance limitations and regional lockdown measures. Against this backdrop, a memorial service for a cat – even one as beloved as Doorkins – struck some as inappropriate or even offensive.
The controversy quickly gained traction online, with numerous social media users echoing the Bishop’s sentiments. Some branded the service “ludicrous” given the context of pandemic restrictions, while others questioned the theological appropriateness of a church service for an animal, regardless of the circumstances.
The socially distanced service, which featured approximately 30 in-person attendees, stood in stark contrast to the severely limited funerals many families had been forced to accept during the height of pandemic restrictions. This discrepancy formed the core of much of the criticism directed at Dean Nunn and Southwark Cathedral.
Cathedral Defends Decision Amid Mixed Reactions
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Despite the backlash, Dean Andrew Nunn stood firmly by the decision to honor Doorkins with a proper memorial service. During the ceremony, he directly addressed potential criticisms, acknowledging that “Some may think that cats don’t deserve ceremonies and eulogies and prayers, that their death should pass without comment or occasion.”
However, he went on to defend the service by highlighting Doorkins’ special contribution to the cathedral’s mission: “She did more to bring people to this place than I will ever do.” This sentiment reflected the cat’s unique role in making the cathedral more accessible and appealing to visitors who might otherwise never have entered the historic church.
The Dean also shared his personal connection with the cathedral cat, noting, “I’m not particularly a cat person, or at least I wasn’t before I met her, but this little cat, who arrived at our door, who chose us and stayed changed our lives and enhanced our mission and ministry.” For many at the cathedral, Doorkins represented more than just a pet – she was a living symbol of their community’s welcoming nature.
Public reaction to the controversy remained divided. While many echoed the Bishop of Burnley’s concerns, others came to the defense of the memorial service. Alison Gibbs, a supporter quoted in reports about the service, emphasized that “Doorkins was a beloved cat who is a symbol of all that’s good about Southwark Cathedral, a place where everyone is welcome. There is no shame in celebrating her life.”
