The Bishop of Gloucester has has ignited a social media storm by criticising two supermarkets for selling Easter eggs while “it’s still Christmas”.

Rt Rev Rachel Treweek expressed her discontent over Sainsbury’s and Marks and Spencer shops describing their sales as “shocking consumerism”.

She wrote on X: “Come on @marksandspencer @sainsburys you can be better than this. Even tho Christmas & birth of Jesus Christ points to his death (Good Friday) & resurrection (Easter)  .. it is STILL Christmas (lasts 12 days) Why are you already displaying EasterEggs? #ShockingConsumerism.”

In response, a Sainsbury's spokesperson told Premier "some customers like to treat themselves early and begin their preparations in plenty of time”.

Many users agree with Sainsbury’s stand. “For many families, particularly those who experience the deleterious effects of the 'costs of living', the opportunity to buy in advance for events like Easter and Christmas is welcome. I don't think consumerism is the problem, it is a reflection of inequality,” user Richard Kirkham wrote.

Meanwhile, another user pointed out the practicalities, stating: “Most priests will be planning their Easter programme now. Especially in multi-parish Benefices, up to 13 in @DioceseNorwich.”

However, not everyone sided with the supermarkets. “Probably time for the government to intervene and actually apply some decency here. No Christmas stuff before Advent, no Easter stuff before Lent or something like that,” user Stephen Anderson wrote.

“Everything has a time and place. Easter stock shouldn't go out until mid-January. Christmas stock shouldn't go out until after Halloween & Bonfire Night. Now you have Christmas stock mixed with Easter,” another user added.

Other supermarkets such as Co-Op and Tesco have also already started their sale of Easter products.

Premier News has contacted Marks and Spencer for comment.