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03-26-2005, 04:56 PM
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A symbol of Christianity that sits atop church steeples, dangles from necks and hangs on walls is finding a new home -- in the mouths of the faithful.
In addition to its usual chocolate Easter bunnies, candy maker Russell Stover is also offering milk chocolate crosses this year.
The nation's third-largest candy maker is selling the six-inch crosses under its Pangburn's brand in thousands of stores, with a focus on the Hispanic market.
The chocolate cross is adorned with a floral bouquet and filled with caramel made of goat's milk -- popular in Latin America. Its packaging features Spanish more prominently than English.
A spokesman for the Roman Catholic diocese of Bridgeport, Connecticut, finds the new product insulting. He says, "The cross should be venerated, not eaten."
Easter is the second-biggest holiday for candy producers, behind Halloween.
In addition to its usual chocolate Easter bunnies, candy maker Russell Stover is also offering milk chocolate crosses this year.
The nation's third-largest candy maker is selling the six-inch crosses under its Pangburn's brand in thousands of stores, with a focus on the Hispanic market.
The chocolate cross is adorned with a floral bouquet and filled with caramel made of goat's milk -- popular in Latin America. Its packaging features Spanish more prominently than English.
A spokesman for the Roman Catholic diocese of Bridgeport, Connecticut, finds the new product insulting. He says, "The cross should be venerated, not eaten."
Easter is the second-biggest holiday for candy producers, behind Halloween.