Teh One Who Knocks
03-28-2013, 11:04 AM
By Denise Whitaker - KOMO News
http://i.imgur.com/eI6UAIq.jpg
SEATTLE -- For many churches and community groups, Easter weekend has historically meant Easter egg hunts, but a number of local cities have taken the controversial step of removing the word Easter.
Easter is one of the most significant celebrations in Christianity, and the idea of removing that component from the Easter egg hunts is upsetting to many.
The White House has been hosting its own Easter egg roll since 1878, and while that celebration has gone unchanged, other cities, such as Edmonds, have removed the word Easter.
In that city and others, the event is simply called and "egg hunt."
"Oh, I think they should call it an Easter Egg Hunt. That's what it is," said Pat Hughes.
In a written statement, officials from the City of Edmonds say in the spirit of being inclusive to all citizens, including non Christians, the annual celebration has been changed to the Edmonds Egg Hunt.
"The removal of specific religious references is common throughout many cities recreation departments ... We want to recognize and welcome all citizens to our events, regardless of faith," the statement reads.
That explanation doesn't hold water for many residents.
"I think it's kind of sad," said Karen Knight. "You know, I come from England, and Christmas is Christmas and Easter is Easter."
While many have reservations about the change, others believe it's a good thing.
"I don't mind that, because when you take the religious aspect out of it you include more people," said Truwyn Diaz.
Edmonds Lutheran Church is holding its own Easter egg hunt on Saturday. Pastor Julie Josund said they will roll out more than 12,000 eggs to connect with the community. If any of those families choose to join them on Easter Sunday, Josund said that's all the better.
http://i.imgur.com/eI6UAIq.jpg
SEATTLE -- For many churches and community groups, Easter weekend has historically meant Easter egg hunts, but a number of local cities have taken the controversial step of removing the word Easter.
Easter is one of the most significant celebrations in Christianity, and the idea of removing that component from the Easter egg hunts is upsetting to many.
The White House has been hosting its own Easter egg roll since 1878, and while that celebration has gone unchanged, other cities, such as Edmonds, have removed the word Easter.
In that city and others, the event is simply called and "egg hunt."
"Oh, I think they should call it an Easter Egg Hunt. That's what it is," said Pat Hughes.
In a written statement, officials from the City of Edmonds say in the spirit of being inclusive to all citizens, including non Christians, the annual celebration has been changed to the Edmonds Egg Hunt.
"The removal of specific religious references is common throughout many cities recreation departments ... We want to recognize and welcome all citizens to our events, regardless of faith," the statement reads.
That explanation doesn't hold water for many residents.
"I think it's kind of sad," said Karen Knight. "You know, I come from England, and Christmas is Christmas and Easter is Easter."
While many have reservations about the change, others believe it's a good thing.
"I don't mind that, because when you take the religious aspect out of it you include more people," said Truwyn Diaz.
Edmonds Lutheran Church is holding its own Easter egg hunt on Saturday. Pastor Julie Josund said they will roll out more than 12,000 eggs to connect with the community. If any of those families choose to join them on Easter Sunday, Josund said that's all the better.