Latest news with #EasterBonnetParade
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
UK School faces backlash after canceling Easter celebration for 'inclusivity'
A secular primary school in England faced backlash from Christians after it canceled its annual Easter parade and service to create a more "inclusive" environment. Around fifty Christians gathered outside Norwood Primary School in Eastleigh, Hampshire on April 4 to protest the school's decision, according to The Telegraph. Protesters from a Disciples of Christ church held signs that read, "Christ is King," "End the persecution of Christians," and "the one true faith." They also held a banner that read, "Headteacher Stephanie Mander wants to cancel Easter – let's cancel her!" Mander reportedly sent a letter home to parents informing them that the school's Easter Bonnet Parade and Easter service would be canceled this year to make sure all beliefs were respected. Bay Area Christians Fighting City Which Took Down Cross: 'They Really Hate What It Stands For' "By not holding specific religious celebrations, we aim to create a more inclusive atmosphere that honors and respects the beliefs of all our children and their families," Mander's letter reportedly said. Read On The Fox News App According to The Telegraph, Mander's letter said she sympathized with families who would be disappointed by this decision but believed canceling the Easter celebrations better "aligns with our values of inclusivity and respect for diversity." "We are exploring alternative ways to celebrate the season in future years that will be inclusive of all children and reflect the rich cultural diversity of our community," the letter concluded. Students will still learn about the religious holiday in the classroom and through an arts and crafts activity, the school later said, according to The Telegraph. Bishop Barron Criticizes 'Tired Arguments' Used Against Christianity Every Easter, Offers New Sign Of Hope The Christians who showed up to the protest warned that Christianity was being sidelined in the UK. "When I was in school, Christianity was very much a part of it," Marie Pigney from Titchfield told The Telegraph. "I, and many others, believe that a foundation in Christianity is really good for children and society. Christians are fed up of being pushed out and being called names." Nick Tenconi, leader of the UK Independence Party who also spoke at the protest, reportedly said, "We are saying that Christianity is being put to the side so that headteachers can tick a diversity box to receive more money." A handful of parents stood nearby and held a counter-protest in support of the school and headteacher. Russell Brand Opens Up About Sobriety, Conversion To Christianity, In Interview With Sean Hannity One parent counter-protester named Iqra told The Telegraph that none of the protesters who showed up that day had children who attended the school. "I am just so upset that the children are being taught hate. It is so unnecessary," she said. Another parent commented, "At the end of the day, they are still celebrating Easter." "Miss Mander is an amazing person, she has brought this school out of the gutter," the parent praised. Fox News Digital reached out to Norwood Primary for comment but has yet to receive a article source: UK School faces backlash after canceling Easter celebration for 'inclusivity'
Fox News
13-04-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
UK School faces backlash after canceling Easter celebration for 'inclusivity'
A secular primary school in England faced backlash from Christians after it canceled its annual Easter parade and service to create a more "inclusive" environment. Around fifty Christians gathered outside Norwood Primary School in Eastleigh, Hampshire on April 4 to protest the school's decision, according to The Telegraph. Protesters from a Disciples of Christ church held signs that read, "Christ is King," "End the persecution of Christians," and "the one true faith." They also held a banner that read, "Headteacher Stephanie Mander wants to cancel Easter – let's cancel her!" Mander reportedly sent a letter home to parents informing them that the school's Easter Bonnet Parade and Easter service would be canceled this year to make sure all beliefs were respected. "By not holding specific religious celebrations, we aim to create a more inclusive atmosphere that honors and respects the beliefs of all our children and their families," Mander's letter reportedly said. According to The Telegraph, Mander's letter said she sympathized with families who would be disappointed by this decision but believed canceling the Easter celebrations better "aligns with our values of inclusivity and respect for diversity." "We are exploring alternative ways to celebrate the season in future years that will be inclusive of all children and reflect the rich cultural diversity of our community," the letter concluded. Students will still learn about the religious holiday in the classroom and through an arts and crafts activity, the school later said, according to The Telegraph. The Christians who showed up to the protest warned that Christianity was being sidelined in the UK. "When I was in school, Christianity was very much a part of it," Marie Pigney from Titchfield told The Telegraph. "I, and many others, believe that a foundation in Christianity is really good for children and society. Christians are fed up of being pushed out and being called names." Nick Tenconi, leader of the UK Independence Party who also spoke at the protest, reportedly said, "We are saying that Christianity is being put to the side so that headteachers can tick a diversity box to receive more money." A handful of parents stood nearby and held a counter-protest in support of the school and headteacher. One parent counter-protester named Iqra told The Telegraph that none of the protesters who showed up that day had children who attended the school. "I am just so upset that the children are being taught hate. It is so unnecessary," she said. Another parent commented, "At the end of the day, they are still celebrating Easter." "Miss Mander is an amazing person, she has brought this school out of the gutter," the parent praised. Fox News Digital reached out to Norwood Primary for comment but has yet to receive a response.
Telegraph
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Protests after school scraps Easter celebration to ‘respect diverse beliefs'
A headteacher has been criticised for scrapping a primary school's Easter parade and church service. Some 50 Christian demonstrators gathered outside Norwood Primary School in Eastleigh, Hampshire, on Friday. They argued with parents over the 'erasure of Christianity' while holding a banner reading 'Headteacher Stephanie Mander wants to cancel Easter - let's cancel her!' Ms Mander had sent a letter to parents and carers informing them the Easter Bonnet Parade and Easter Service had been cancelled this year. At the time of the original announcement, the school's headteacher said: 'By not holding specific religious celebrations, we aim to create a more inclusive atmosphere that honours and respects the beliefs of all our children and their families.' No religious affiliation Norwood Primary School is a mixed primary school for pupils aged between 3 and 11, and it has no religious affiliation. The school has since clarified Easter will be celebrated but children will learn about the religious event in lessons and do themed craft activities instead. The group of Christian protesters, from the Living Word Church in Fareham, Hants, held England flags with the words 'Jesus: the way the truth the life' and 'Jesus is kin' printed on them. Several protesters wore headbands with bunny ears on them. Reverend Chris Wickland said the protest was against the school cancelling the Easter service and what he called the exclusion of Christianity in schools. 'Christianity is being put to the side' He added that the group was 'not [there] to cause trouble'. Some 10 parents took up positions in front of the school gates in a counter-protest. Nick Tenconi, the leader of UKIP, attended the Christians' protest as a member of the Disciples of Christ - a protestant denomination popular in the United States. He said: 'We are saying that Christianity is being put to the side so that head teachers can tick a diversity box to receive more money.' Mr Tenconi read Miss Mander's letter to parents out on a PA system. Whenever the head's name was mentioned, the parents cheered 'We love her'. 'Shambolic' The protest follows online backlash against the decision, which critics branded 'disgraceful' and 'shambolic'. Parent counter-protester Iqra, who didn't give her surname, said 'None of those people have children at this school'. She added: 'I am just so upset that the children are being taught hate. It is so unnecessary.' A member of the Christian protest, which set up a table with Easter eggs and a 'Happy Easter' banner, handed several chocolate eggs in baskets to the parents at the counter-protest. In her original letter, Miss Mander said she 'understood the change may be disappointing for some, especially those who have cherished these traditions over the years'. She added: 'However, we believe that this decision aligns with our values of inclusivity and respect for diversity. 'We are exploring alternative ways to celebrate the season in future years, that will be inclusive of all children and reflect the rich cultural diversity of our community.' 'Traditional celebration' One of the Christian protestors, grandmother Marie Pigney from Titchfield, said: 'When I was in school Christianity was very much a part of it. I and many others believe that a foundation in Christianity is really good for children and society. Christians are fed up of being pushed out and being called names.' Another Christian protester Rob Owen said: 'We are here to maintain that this [Easter] is part of our culture and traditions and needs to be maintained. 'We are here to support Christianity and its traditional celebration.' One parent who did not want to be named said: 'At the end of the day they are still celebrating Easter. 'Miss Mander is an amazing person, she has brought this school out of the gutter. 'Parents have different views, but as a Christian, if they think it's better to celebrate Easter in the school then so be it.' He added that part of the reason the school decided to scrap the bonnet parade is that low-income households couldn't afford to make one. He said families have been given many forums with the school to voice their concerns. 'No arrests made' The Christian protesters said a prayer and packed up before the end of the school day, at around 3.15pm. A spokesperson for Hampshire police said: 'Officers from our local neighbourhood policing team and protest liaison team were present this afternoon. 'We worked closely with the organisers to ensure any disruption to local residents and the school was kept to a minimum. 'No offences were committed and no arrests made.'
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
School that axed Easter service 'will still celebrate'
A school that faced backlash for cancelling its traditional Easter celebrations over religious inclusivity has hit back, saying it would still be marking the holiday. Norwood Primary School in Eastleigh, Hampshire, had announced it was axing its Easter Bonnet Parade and Easter Service at a local church. After a letter, seen by the BBC, was sent to parents, the school came under criticism for what some said was a "disgraceful" decision, with a protest against the plan now organised. The school has said the changes were made in consultation with parents and that Easter would still be celebrated at the school with various activities and events. In a statement, a spokesperson for the school said: "To be clear, we are marking Easter in school and as with other religious festivals, children continue to learn about and celebrate Easter both educationally in our RE lessons and in our assemblies across the whole half term." They said the school had decided not to visit the local church and instead celebrate the holiday "where all children are able to take part and benefit". "Changes were made in consultation with our parent forum, and we have received many positive messages regarding these," the spokesperson added. Some parents at the school, who wished to remain anonymous, told the BBC the controversy was a "storm in a teacup". "It's really surprising that this has happened and it's caused such an uproar, because it [Norwood Primary] is such an inclusive school and there's so many people from so many different backgrounds, ethnicities and religions," one said. Following the letter sent to parents by head teacher Stephanie Mander over the weekend, the word Easter became the number one trending topicin the UK on social media platform X. In her initial letter to parents, Miss Mander explained that the decision had been made "in the spirit of inclusivity and respect for the diverse religious beliefs represented" in the school's community. "Our school is committed to fostering an environment where every child feels valued and respected, regardless of their religious background," she said in the letter. "By not holding specific religious celebrations, we aim to create a more inclusive atmosphere that honours and respects the beliefs of all our children and their families." She added that the school would also be "celebrating inclusivity" by taking part in Refugee Week events in June. Among those to criticise the decision was former home secretary Suella Braverman, who said: "This isn't inclusivity; it's cultural surrender." "Britain's Christian roots are being erased by spineless leaders who'd rather appease than preserve," she added. Former MP, and leader of the Workers Party of Britain, George Galloway also said: "Cancelling Easter in any school in Britain is completely unacceptable and the government must make this clear." You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Norwood Primary School
BBC News
26-03-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Eastleigh school that axed Easter service 'will still celebrate'
A school that faced backlash for cancelling its traditional Easter celebrations over religious inclusivity has hit back, saying it would still be marking the Primary School in Eastleigh, Hampshire, had announced it was axing its Easter Bonnet Parade and Easter Service at a local a letter, seen by the BBC, was sent to parents, the school came under criticism for what some said was a "disgraceful" decision, with a protest against the plan now school has said the changes were made in consultation with parents and that Easter would still be celebrated at the school with various activities and events. In a statement, a spokesperson for the school said: "To be clear, we are marking Easter in school and as with other religious festivals, children continue to learn about and celebrate Easter both educationally in our RE lessons and in our assemblies across the whole half term."They said the school had decided not to visit the local church and instead celebrate the holiday "where all children are able to take part and benefit"."Changes were made in consultation with our parent forum, and we have received many positive messages regarding these," the spokesperson added. 'Storm in a teacup' Some parents at the school, who wished to remain anonymous, told the BBC the controversy was a "storm in a teacup"."It's really surprising that this has happened and it's caused such an uproar, because it [Norwood Primary] is such an inclusive school and there's so many people from so many different backgrounds, ethnicities and religions," one the letter sent to parents by head teacher Stephanie Mander over the weekend, the word Easter became the number one trending topicin the UK on social media platform her initial letter to parents, Miss Mander explained that the decision had been made "in the spirit of inclusivity and respect for the diverse religious beliefs represented" in the school's community."Our school is committed to fostering an environment where every child feels valued and respected, regardless of their religious background," she said in the letter."By not holding specific religious celebrations, we aim to create a more inclusive atmosphere that honours and respects the beliefs of all our children and their families."She added that the school would also be "celebrating inclusivity" by taking part in Refugee Week events in June. Among those to criticise the decision was former home secretary Suella Braverman, who said: "This isn't inclusivity; it's cultural surrender.""Britain's Christian roots are being erased by spineless leaders who'd rather appease than preserve," she MP, and leader of the Workers Party of Britain, George Galloway also said: "Cancelling Easter in any school in Britain is completely unacceptable and the government must make this clear." You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
