A clergywoman has suffered online trolling over her religious tattoos but church leaders have defended her style and called out the abuse.

In a toxic tweet, the poster branded Reverend Wendy Dalrymple “prideful” and “vain” due to artwork of a peacock on her arm.

But Canterbury Cathedral’s newly appointed clergywoman publicly took aim at the remark with a pointed quip to her 3,000 followers, which ended “how’s your day going?”

The exchange unfolded on Wednesday, when Canterbury Cathedral announced on the site Revd Dalrymple will become precentor, complete with a picture of her religiously decorated arms.

But the image of her prompted a troll to respond: “Why does the residentiary canon of Canterbury Cathedral think it's so necessary to make her tatts [sic] the most important thing about her, and in some way, her job?

“No problem with the tatts in private, but the peacock display here, in her official photo, suggests both pride and vanity.”

In the pursuing Twitter storm many users came to Revd Dalrymple defence, arguing tattoos are a normal thing to see.

Responding in good humour, one person wrote: “My brother in Christ, she just stood there and had her photo taken in clericals, same as any other priest. Plus her art is, if I’m not mistaken, Christian.”

Another added: “There are parts of society and parts of the UK where many people are very tattooed, often in creative ways, and so it’s a normal thing seeing tattooed flesh.”

Speaking out in Revd Dalrymple’s support, the Dean of Canterbury, David Monteith, Tweeted: “We announced the appointment of our new precentor last weekend. Just so saddened by the abuse she has received.

"Determined to shape a cathedral which addresses misogyny, entitled power and prejudice because the love of Jesus requires that.”

Another poster added: “I don’t care what anyone looks like, so long as they truly believe in God & teach us that there is hope that our inner souls are not lost after death, is perfect for me; tattoos, pink hair, no hair, in a wheelchair, 7ft tall - so long as they have the Holy Spirit guiding them.”

Throngs of Twitter users echoed the sentiment, saying what really matters in a church leader is their teaching abilities and willingness to support the community.

Revd Dalrymple, who calls herself Nana Wendy on the site and uses the handle @priestwendy, reposted a screenshot of the critical tweet, adding: “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?”

As residentiary canon designate and head of worship and events, Revd Dalrymple will help decide the content of services.

When approached by KentOnline Canterbury Cathedral declined to comment, while Revd Dalrymple has not responded to a request for a comment.