Dean of Canterbury defends appointment of priest - after she faced barrage of online abuse over her tattoos
20 July 2023, 08:37
A newly-appointed cleric has been forced to brave an onslaught of abuse after trolls criticised her for showing her heavily tattooed arms.
Reverend Wendy Dalrymple found herself at the centre of an online backlash after Canterbury Cathedral tweeted a photo of her in a short-sleeved dog collared dress that revealed her tattoos.
She was labelled “vain” and said to have put on a “peacock display” despite the tattoos being related to her faith.
One person wrote: “'No problem with the tatts in private, but the peacock display here, in her official photo, suggests both pride and vanity.”
We announced the appointment of our new Precentor @priestwendy for @CburyCathedral last weekend. Just so saddened by the abuse she has received. Determined to shape a a cathedral which addresses misogyny, entitled power and prejudice because the love of Jesus requires that.
— David Monteith (@davidrmmonteith) July 12, 2023
Another said: "Pathetic in every way. The tats are disgusting and should bar her from any religious role."
Others however sent messages of support: "You look awesome. Remember the same trolls and misogynist views happened 30yrs ago when the first female vicars were ordained."
Wendy has shared photos of her tattoos on social media detailing their religious significance.
The new precentor and residentiary canon designate, and head of worship and events responded, writing online: “So not actually resharing but the thread that follows from this charming feedback accuses me of pride, narcissism, mental illness, being an idiot, not believing in God oh and having a top too tight that will distract men. How's your day going?”
I am a priest in East London covered from neck to hands and whole upper body in Tattoo's and the comments from Christians are ridiculous. The peeps on estates I work with love them. Tattoos have been around for thousands of years and tell stories of culture. #tattoos #vicars pic.twitter.com/J5KOzRr1LW
— the Illustrated Priest - Revd Alan Moss (@InkedRev81) July 13, 2023
She went on to tell the Independent: “Sadly, the negativity was not a complete surprise as the online world can bring out the worst in people but it can also bring out the best.
“I don't tend to engage directly with those who hurl abuse from behind a keyboard but I think there are times when it is good to shine a light on the comments that people make.
“The many hundreds of messages I received of support including that of the Dean of Canterbury and my future colleagues more than make up for the silliness of the few.
“The best response was hearing from someone who said, on showing my picture to their tattooed daughter and son-in-law, 'they didn't know people like them were allowed in church, and now they do”.
The Dean of Canterbury, David Monteith said he was “saddened by the abuse she has received.”
A Canterbury Cathedral spokesman said: 'Canterbury Cathedral is delighted by Wendy's appointment, and we can't wait to welcome her to our community.
'Whilst the overwhelming majority of feedback to Wendy's appointment has been extremely positive, unfortunately there has been some online abuse about her appearance from a small number of individuals – sadly, a common experience for many women. This is unacceptable.”
