 The crematorium now has a smaller temporary cross |
Torbay Council is to review a decision to remove a 5ft high gilt cross from the chapel at the Bay's crematorium. Church leaders in Torbay say they are appalled by the removal of the cross at the chapel which has been renamed a "ceremony hall".
Local vicar, the Rev Anthony Macey said he discovered the cross had gone when he turned up to conduct a funeral.
The council says the cross was removed as an attempt to cater for everyone in a "diverse multi-faith society".
 |  It is political correctness gone mad |
But Mr Macey, vicar of Cockington and Chelston, said no other religions had complained about the cross. He said: "It is political correctness gone mad. Fifty years after the crematorium opened, it seems absolutely stupid when most of the funerals are Christian.
"This kind of thing starts racial prejudice which I think is very sad."
The cross has been replaced with a smaller temporary cross, which can be easily removed for other faiths.
Councillor Alan Faulkner said the removal of the original cross was an attempt to "cater for everyone".
"Political correctness does not come into it," he said.
"We are talking about faith and you cannot be political as far as faith is concerned.
"Faith is an individual thing and we have to look after everyone."
But he added that he realised the council had offended people, and the decision would be reviewed.
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