Parents and employees of a London primary school was dissatisfied with the decision of the Director to change the words of the popular Christmas song «in the name of inclusiveness and political correctness».
Elementary school principal Whitehall in East London, Zakia Khatun, said that the students should not sing «Lord Jesus» in the song «There in a manger» («Away in a Manger») — and replaced the phrase «Child Jesus» to all of the students were able to participate in the annual Christmas Nativity scene.
«I’m picking up the kids after school and they were very upset. They told me: «Mom, the Director said that will change words in a Christmas song.» — says one of the mothers.
At the meeting Khatun explained to parents that last year 60 out of 500 students visited the Nativity scene because of their religious beliefs, but most families aren’t persuaded.
«Christian beliefs and traditions that are so important to many people of all generations, sacrifice and destroy in the name of «political correctness and inclusiveness.» — said the mother of one of pupils of the school.
«If it was only about a little boy named Jesus, there would be no celebration.» — said another.
Mother accused Khatun and school in discrimination against Christians.
«Words «Lord Jesus» («Lord Jesus») meet three times in the song and point to the main message of Christmas: God with us in Jesus,» said the former Bishop of the Anglican Church of Rochester, supported the disgruntled parents.
He added that children should have the opportunity to refuse the annual Nativity scene, and the school in turn must provide alternative activities for such children.
Representatives of the diocese Chemsford, where was a den, in turn, said that representatives of other faiths should also have the opportunity to celebrate Christmas.
