Swansea University has been accused of cutting links with Christian heritage after renaming its Michaelmas and Lent terms for secular alternatives. The university has said the labels no longer resonate with its student body, but critics have warned the move is part of a wider assault on Christianity by university chiefs.
Michaelmas is the feast day of St Michael, marking the end of the harvest and start of autumn. Lent refers to the 40 days which lead up to Easter.
Swansea’s move comes after the London School of Economics introduced the same change earlier this year.
Deputy Director of the Christian Institute Simon Calvert said Swansea was trying to erase an important part of British history.
He told The Telegraph: “Nobody is offended by [Michaelmas and Lent]. It’s not doing any harm. It speaks to us about our shared history.
A Swansea University spokesman said: “We have replaced terms such as Michaelmas and Lent as it was felt they no longer resonated with the student body, both UK and international.
“These term names are in line with those used by most other UK universities.”
It emerged in January that the LSE would rename Michaelmas as autumn term, Christmas as winter break, Lent as winter term and Easter as spring break.
The institution said the change to “widely-recognised terminology” meant it could “better reflect” the international nature of its students and staff as well as its “broader global engagement”.
Mr Calvert claimed at the time that people with traditional values were being “silenced or bullied”, labelling the decision as “ludicrous”.
The decision sparked a political backlash with 20 Tory MPs condemning the LSE’s attempt to cleanse itself of any “identifiably British heritage”.
Rother Valley MP Alexander Stafford said Swansea University’s replacement of Michaelmas and Lent, understood to have happened in 2021, is the latest example of a worrying trend.
He said: “This new attempt to whitewash our Christian heritage is yet another in a line of examples of universities giving in to a small, vocal minority who are trying to erase our history and our traditions.
“I urge all institutions to be proud of the great history which made them the world-leading establishments they are today.”
Seth May, President of Swansea’s Christian Union, said: “It’s sad in that it’s indicative of [fewer] students believing. But I guess they are trying to make it more reflective of the wider campus.
“I think it’s the right decision… The God I love and follow talks about people’s hearts rather than outward-facing traditions.
“Obviously, not all Christians would share that view, although I think many would, especially in the younger generation.”
Data from the 2021 census shows Christians now make up the smallest proportion of the population since records began.
Christians account for less than half of the population with only 3.9 percent of 21-25 year-olds identifying as Christian. This is down from 5.1 percent a decade before.
Nevertheless, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in his Easter message that Christian values of “tolerance, compassion and charity” are embedded in British culture.
The PM said Easter Sunday was a chance to reflect on the contribution made by Christian communities across the country.
Mr Sunak, a Hindu, used his Easter message to say Christianity was part of the “national fabric” and “its values are British values”.
He said: “Easter Sunday gives us a chance to reflect on the considerable contribution Christian communities make to our national life, offering support and a sense of belonging to so many across the country.
“Christianity and its values of tolerance, compassion and charity are embedded in our history and national fabric. Its values are British values. I would like to wish all those celebrating today a very happy Easter.”
