The Dean of Southwark has been branded ‘insensitive’ by a bishop for holding a memorial service for the cathedral’s cat.
Doorkins Magnificat had her own social media accounts, became a children’s book star and met the Queen.
But 30 in-person attendees gathered for a socially distanced thanksgiving ceremony after being laid to rest in the cathedral garden.
Dean Andrew Nunn told the congregation: ‘In more normal times, we often host memorial services for the great and the good. But I don’t think there’s ever been a service for a cat.’
The service sparked online fury from onlookers who branded it ‘insensitive’ and ‘ludicrous’.
The Bishop of Burnley Phillip North wrote online: ‘Is this a joke? I do hope so. If not it’s grossly insensitive to bereaved families and those ministering to them in the North West under the regional Coronavirus restrictions.’
But he was slapped down by others, including Paolo Thomas, who wrote: ‘What an unpleasant, small-minded, grossly insensitive and unChristian thing to say and think.
‘Shame on you. You should apologise. Doorkins’ beautiful soul touched and brought pleasure to many people’s lives, including mine. May she rest peacefully.’
Another, Alison Gibbs, added: ‘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.’
During the service, Rev Nunn, told the congregation that ‘She did more to bring people to this place than I will ever do.’
He said: ‘Some may think that cats don’t deserve ceremonies and eulogies and prayers, that their death should pass without comment or occasion but I can’t agree and 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.’
Head verger Paul Timms, her most attentive guardian who held her in his arms as she died of liver failure on September 30, said her story went to the heart of Christian values.