‘Insensitive’ memorial service for a cat slammed by furious bishop

THE Dean of Southwark has been branded ‘insensitive’ by a furious 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 even met the Queen.

But 30 in-person attendees gathered for a socially distanced thanksgiving ceremony after the cat was 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 triggered fury on social media 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.’

However, some showed support for Doorkins, Alison Gibbs, said ‘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.’

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