Hey, it was all done in the name of diversity and tolerance (sic) at a Liverpool, UK, school
A SCHOOL has come under fire for allowing Jehovah’s Witnesses to tell pupils why they choose not to celebrate Christmas.
But today leaders at Kirkby’s Westvale primary said the talk was just part of its commitment to promote tolerance among all faiths, which is clearly stated to parents in its official brochure.
The row surrounds a 30-minute religious education lesson at the Melverley Road school.
On Wednesday, parents were invited in to discuss why they were Jehovah’s Witnesses and what their faith entails.
This included the fact the religion does not celebrate Christmas – believing it and Easter are based on, or largely influenced by, paganism.
But, uh oh, parents were not notified nor asked for consent about this little exercise in “tolerance for all faiths,” and the first they heard of it was when their rugrats came home and told them.
But headteacher Gillian Holland said the talk was the latest in a number by visitors of different faiths as part of a government expectation that schools tackle community cohesion.
The school brochure made it clear RE lessons would explore all faiths and parents could make use of its “open door†policy to raise concerns.
“We are a Christian school but have a duty to promote tolerance and understanding of other faiths.”
Tolerance. Diversity. Different faiths. Kids do not really care, they just do not want to have their Christmas ruined by busy body teachers and outsiders.
