DUBAI: British Prime Minister Theresa May has slammed the UK's National Trust for dropping the word “Easter” from its annual egg hunt.
The controversy began Monday when the Church of England accused the organization of “airbrushing out faith” and May made her comment from Saudi Arabia, where she is on a diplomatic trip, in light of the uproar.
“I’m not just a vicar’s daughter, I’m a member of the National Trust as well,” she said. “I think the stance they have taken is absolutely ridiculous. I don’t know what they are thinking about, frankly.”
The event is sponsored by the foodstuff company Cadbury, which said in a statement that it wanted to appeal to non-Christians: “We invite people from all faiths and none to enjoy our seasonal treats.” The event website promises a “fun-filled Easter for everyone” and promotes other activities based on the holiday.
A spokesman for the Church of England said: “This marketing campaign . . . highlights the folly in airbrushing faith from Easter.”
My @Telegraph story today: Church of England accuses National Trust of "airbrushing" religion out of kid's egg hunthttps://t.co/NwPgtxlUI3
— Katie Morley (@KatieMorley_) April 4, 2017
Meanwhile, many social media users slammed the move as the event is typically seen as having strong ties to the religious occasion of Easter.
@nationaltrust @CadburyUK How do I cancel my membership? Disgusted you're not acknowledging Easter in these Easter egg hunts.
— Thomas Rose (@tomthecanary) April 4, 2017
@nationaltrust was it necessary to remove Easter? Ironically you are helping to erase our culture #disappointed Cancelling membership today
— Fiona (@FionaHopkinsHR) April 4, 2017
Politically correct brigade at National Trust veto Easter Egg hunts for cedar of offending non christians. Outrageous
— Andrew Pierce (@toryboypierce) April 3, 2017
