A member of staff at Canterbury Cathedral has sparked outrage after telling an Argentinian who has lived in Britain for 12 years, "Dover's that way, love" after being asked for directions.
The remark was made by a security guard at the gates of the world-famous church and came just days after the result of the EU referendum, during a spike in racist and xenophobic incidents.
The Cathedral, known as the mother church of the Anglican Communion, has described the comments as "extremely disappointing" and has reprimanded the member of staff.
The complainant, Silvina Fairbass, is a dance teacher and lives in Canterbury. She said, "I've always felt comfortable in this city, people have always been welcoming... But I think since the referendum, unfortunately, there has been a minority who see a platform to voice their opinions against foreigners.' In a Facebook post she went on to comment: "Yes, I'm a foreigner living in the UK. I'm also a British citizen, a hard-working person, a mum, a wife, a house owner, a teacher who inspires young people, I'm also an enthusiastic and positive person."
Ironically, the story has hit the headlines on the same day the Diocese of Canterbury released an article speaking out about its work to welcome refugees. The Archbishop of Canterbury has also been swift to criticise the upswing in racial attacks.
Cathedral spokesman Brigadier John Meardon issued an apology, saying: "We were extremely disappointed to hear about this incident which occurred in the sensitive period following the EU referendum. We fully accept that the comments made by a member of our staff were offensive and emphasise that they do not reflect the views of the Cathedral. Our aim is to extend a warm welcome to everyone, irrespective of colour, creed or background."
His statement continued: "We immediately contacted Mrs Fairbrass to express our apologies for what happened and I have also written to her to follow up the verbal apology and emphasise that this is not how we expect our staff to behave.
"The member of staff, who has been with the Cathedral a long time, has been interviewed and reprimanded. He is mortified to think that something he said on the spur of the moment and, as he saw it, in jest, has caused this offence. He should have known better and he has apologised profusely for his actions."
