Story highlights Scientist and atheist Richard Dawkins suffered a minor stroke recently

The Church of England tweeted it was praying for his recovery

The comment sparked controversy, given Dawkins' critical views on religion

London (CNN) The Church of England has been accused of "trolling" scientist Richard Dawkins after it tweeted it was praying for the outspoken atheist's recovery from a stroke.

Dawkins, a distinguished evolutionary biologist at Oxford, is one of the world's leading voices for secularism, and a fierce critic of religion.

When news broke Friday that the 74-year-old had suffered a minor stroke, forcing him to cancel scheduled appearances in Australia and New Zealand, the Church of England retweeted a report of his condition with a statement offering "prayers for Prof. Dawkins and his family."

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

The remark proved divisive on Twitter, with some describing it as insensitive given Dawkins' widely known disdain for religion.

Former British politician Nikki Sinclaire asked whether the church was being "sarcastic or ignorant," while Scottish politician Murdo Fraser commended the church for "top trolling."