A vicar in the quaint Dorset village of Uplyme has issued a public apology after her church magazine featured two controversial poems targeting asylum seekers, beneficiaries, and fat people.
Reverend Nicky Davies said that she was “truly sorry for any hurt caused” by the verses, penned by regular contributor Diana Hunt.
The publication of the poems in the Parish News scandalised many in the local community.
Ms Hunt, usually known for her whimsical prose about community events, ventured into political commentary for the months of March and April.
Her two poems, titled “Broken Britain” and “Know it All”, took aim at “benefits scroungers”, “boat loads of illegals”, fat people, and drug users.
Their appearance prompted several complaints to long-time editor Robin Hodges, who subsequently apologised and accepted full responsibility for their inclusion.
Rev Davies, the vicar of St Peter & St Paul, Uplyme, has now spoken about the matter and distanced the church from the poems.
She wrote in the May edition of the magazine: “I am aware that the poem written by Diana has caused offence and hurt to some members of our community.
“This is clear through the responses received by the editor Robin as well as personal messages sent to me.
“I am truly sorry for any hurt that has been caused.
“The poem does not reflect the church.
“Following a review with the editor about its inclusion in the magazine, Robin has expressed his regret that it was published and has made his own apology to those concerned.
“As a church we are dedicated for caring for the marginalised both through our charitable giving and through our prayers.
“Our aim is always to foster compassion and understanding within our community.”
In his monthly editorial, Mr Hodges apologised again for publishing the poetry.
He said: “With regards the poem ‘Broken Britain’ in last month’s magazine, in hindsight this poem was not appropriate for this particular magazine as it caused some angst, anger and upset in the community.
“I have published many of Diana’s poems over the past few years and have always read them as social commentary.
“I have edited the Parish News for over 25 years and this is the first time I have had a lapse in judgement of this sort over any entry.
“The decision to publish the poem was mine alone so I hope you can forgive my lapse and I apologise for any offence it may have caused.
“To the people who emailed the magazine with complaints about the poem I have sent an apology to them all personally and in most cases received a gracious reply back.
“Neither the church nor the Parish News align themselves with any political party or party rhetoric. We care deeply for the marginalised and vulnerable in our society and support many causes to that effect.”
In her poem “Broken Britain”, Ms Hunt wrote: “Boat loads of illegals flooding to our shores, step this way for hotel rooms and benefits galore.”
And in “Know it All”, she wrote: “The great big fat ones who say they can’t afford to eat, many could live quite easily on their body fat for weeks.”
Ms Hunt later said that the poems were meant to be tongue-in-cheek and they did not represent her views.
While some said the poems had no place in a parish magazine, others defended Ms Hunt and said those who complained were ‘woke’.
Rob Johnstone said: “Just been reading the poems by Diana Hunt published in the Uplyme Parish News … super stuff, amusing and pretty accurate.
“Of course, every village has its prissy wokes these days, a couple whinged (as they do), and poor old editor had to apologise … shame.”
Mr Hodges said after discussing the matter with Ms Hunt, it was agreed that she would no longer submit her poems to the magazine, although Mr Hodges denied she had been censored.
