Marie Curie apologises to chaplain in ‘bonkers’ cross ban

Marie Curie, the charity for the terminally ill, has apologised to a Christian chaplain who was ordered by a Methodist minister to remove a small cross badge pin – or ‘face consequences’.

David Timms, who is 73, had worn the cross for years at the Solihull branch of the charity without complaint. In September, the branch decided to change chaplains’ job titles to ‘spiritual advisors’ as part of a re-emphasise on an interfaith approach.

He said following a meeting, the Methodist minister emailed him and expressed surprise that he was wearing crosses and should ‘refrain’ from doing to; and that the cross may offend others.