Washington Cathedral has a statue of Darth Vader

It seems that there is a statue of Darth Vader appearing in Star Wars in the sacred cathedral which is also used for funeral, etc. Why are villains of science fiction movies in this place?

Details are as below.
It is not indisputably indoors, it is as an image of a drain outlet called gargoyle.


This dozen Vader was designed by Christopher Rader who was third in the design competition by children.


It is difficult to see with the naked eye because it is in a considerably high position.


There is also a page for Darth Vader on the official site of Washington Cathedral.

WNC: Darth Vader Grotesque