Christians debate hot cross bun with tick

The decision by a supermarket chain to trial latest hot cross buns that display a tick as a substitute of the normal Christian cross has prompted debate. 

For centuries, the sticky sweet buns have been eaten in Britain within the run-up to Easter. 

Iceland said the move was inspired by research that found a fifth of consumers would like buns with a tick. 

David Lennox, the pinnacle of development for Iceland Foods, told The Sun: “According to the research, it seems some people wish to cast off the cross design and move to a tick as a substitute.

“The results surprised us, but in true British fashion, we’re putting it to the test by trialling ticks on a few of our buns.”

Iceland later insisted it was “not removing the cross” from its hot cross buns.

“Customer feedback wanted latest varieties, some said a tick so we tried it. Hot Cross Buns can be found nationwide,” it said. 

Christians have been discussing the move.

Danny Webster, the director of advocacy on the Evangelical Alliance, telling The Telegraph: “Easter is when Christians across the globe remember Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave. Whatever Iceland puts on their buns, Christians will proceed to declare the reality of the cross that Jesus is alive.”

Sanctuary Foundation founder Krish Kandiah, “Even in my life as a follower of Jesus and someone who enjoys hot cross buns; the eating of them doesn’t play a devotional or reflective function to me. So there isn’t any reason for outrage because the cross was only a decoration for a sweet treat.

“The cross of Christ is essentially the most precious symbol in my life because it says that Jesus loved me enough to willingly die for me. Perhaps it cheapened the impact of this to have it on a bun in the primary place?”

Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, the MP for North East Somerset, was more critical telling the Express newspaper: “Who would buy a frozen tick bun?”