The Church of England has said a tweet it posted sending prayers for secularist Richard Dawkins after he had a stroke was genuine.

On Friday, the Church tweeted “prayers for Prof Dawkins and his family” in response to a post by the Independent reporting on his health.

Prayers for Prof Dawkins and his family https://t.co/KxBBkBrECk — Church of England (@c_of_e) February 12, 2016

The Church’s post was retweeted more than 1000 times, with many people speculating that the concern was less than sincere.

“@c_of_e: Prayers for Prof Dawkins and his family https://t.co/zZjNycrGZY”



Sarcastic or ignorant? — Nikki Sinclaire (@NikkiSinclaire7) February 12, 2016

Some commenters accused the Church of “trolling” Dawkins and suggested praying for someone who was not religious was disrespectful.

@c_of_e @Independent Top trolling there by C of E. Romans 12 v 20. — Murdo Fraser (@murdo_fraser) February 12, 2016

The Church’s communications director issued a statement following what it called the “Twitterstorm” surrounding the post.

“Many recognised the tweet for what it was, a genuine tweet offering prayer for a public person who was unwell,” Rev Arun Arora wrote.

Acknowledging he did not agree with all of Dawkin’s views, he wrote: “His views are more nuanced that both supporters and detractors would usually acknowledge.”

The statement ended, saying Rev Arora would continue to pray for Dawkins.

“I wish Professor Dawkins well. I hope he makes swift and full recovery and wish him the best of health. I will pray for him too. It is the very least I can do.”

Dawkins, author of The God Delusion, pulled out of a tour of Australia and New Zealand last week after he had a minor stroke while at home in Oxford.

A statement from the Sydney Opera House, where the famous atheist had been due to appear on 28 February, said the 74-year-old was recovering at home and is expected to make a full or near full recovery.

A steadfast critic of religion, who nevertheless recently criticised leading UK cinema chains for refusing to screen an advert featuring the Lord’s Prayer, Dawkins has regularly been named one of Britain’s top public intellectuals.