Easter is synonymous with chocolate, Christianity and egg hunts – but this year representatives of these three elements have rather fallen out.
The Church of England has been angered by chocolate giant Cadbury and the National Trust dropping the word “Easter” from their annual egg hunt.
Cadbury was founded by John Cadbury, a Quaker, in 1824 – and 300 egg hunts will be held at National Trust properties this year.
Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, has accused Cadbury of “spitting on the grave” of its religious founder by renaming the Easter tradition the “Great British Egg Hunt”.
The chocolate company replied to the Archbishop by saying: “We invite people from all faiths and none to enjoy our seasonal treats.” It added that it’s “simply not true” that the word Easter has been removed from marketing and communication material – it’s mentioned on the company’s website and in its advert for the campaign.
Meanwhile, the National Trust branded claims that it is playing down the significance of Easter “nonsense”.
“Nothing could be further from the truth,” said a National Trust spokesman. “A casual glance at our website will see dozens of references to Easter throughout.”
Even Prime Minister Theresa May got involved – and very much on the side of the Church.
“I’m not just a vicar’s daughter – I’m a member of the National Trust as well,” May told ITV News. “Easter’s very important. It’s a very important festival for the Christian faith for millions across the world. So I think what the National Trust is doing is, frankly, just ridiculous.”
So, what does the public think?
Well, some are certainly on the side of the Church – with some even threatening to cancel their National Trust membership.
@nationaltrust @CadburyUK Won't join you for anything until you give full credit to Easter. If you don't want religion in the NT run the hunt in May. This is theft.
— Linda Caswell (@lrcaswell) April 4, 2017
@nationaltrust had family m'ship for 20yrs because I believe in preserving past. Take Easter out of Egg Hunt and I will cancel membership??
— Camilla (@camillaalison1) 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
However, a lot pointed out that Easter has not been omitted from the promotion entirely – just its name.
For the record, the National Trust and Cadbury's haven't dropped the word 'Easter'. Church of England and PM are peddling fake news. pic.twitter.com/f7H0To8TMc
— Secularism UK (@NatSecSoc) April 4, 2017
Which made one or two feel a bit sorry for Cadbury and the National Trust – specifically their social media teams.
It's the worst time of the year to be the National Trust's social media manager. pic.twitter.com/xc5ph7yzFf
— Jim Waterson (@jimwaterson) April 4, 2017
Another gently reminded us what the Christian holiday is about – while also proposing something rather shocking.
Personally, I won't be satisfied until the National Trust stages a crucifixion, death and resurrection on at least one of its properties.
— Chairman Moët (@ChairmanMoet) April 4, 2017
Think of the children, sir.Another, we think, was being sarcastic. Maybe.
Can't believe the National Trust have made it so that searching for chocolate eggs is totally unrelated to the crucifixion of Jesus.
— Joe (@steamedhamms) April 4, 2017
And some just reckon the whole row is a bit too much like watching the poshest of sports…
The Church of England versus the National Trust is like watching a scuffle at a crown bowls tournament #CadburyEggHunt
— Jeremy Vine (@theJeremyVine) April 4, 2017
It might be some time before tensions over this issue are fully resolved – so just sit back and watch Jeremy.
