Lidl removes crosses from Greek church on food packaging in attempt to be ‘religiously neutral’

Supermarket facing backlash from consumers for omission of Christian symbol

One of Lidl's products in the Eridanous range featuring the Anistasis church without a cross (Facebook)

Lidl has come under fire for editing a cross at the top of a church out of an image it uses on the packaging for its own-brand range of Greek-style food.

The supermarket’s Eridanous range features a picture of the well known Anastasis Church on the island of Santorini. A small white cross can usually be seen on top of the church’s blue dome.

But it has been deliberately removed from images on the packaging on a variety of Greek products which have been sold across the company’s European markets for 10 years.

Angry customers have taken to the brand’s Facebook page to lodge their complaints.

“I am deeply offended by the alterations made to the depictions of Greek churches on your products," wrote Rupert Dodds, from Cyprus. "The message I receive clearly is that you have no respect for Christians and do not want us as customers.”

Another, Margaret Claydon, wrote: “Deplorable airbrushing out of Christianity [on] certain products. Will not shop at Lidl again until policy removed.”

Deep blue: Ramsey honeymooned in Santorini (GNTO)

A spokesperson for the supermarket said they had been selling the range for over 10-years "and in that time the design of the packaging has been through a number of updates."

They added: “We are extremely sorry for any offence caused by the most recent artwork and would like to reassure our customers that this is not an intentional statement.

"In light of this we will ensure that all feedback is taken into consideration when redesigning future packaging.”