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Vicar says 'sorry' for Santa slip

Emilene White
20/12/2006

A VICAR has apologised for telling primary school children there is no Father Christmas.

Some pupils at St George's in Mossley were said to have left the school in tears after the reverend's blunder.

They were at a special Christmas service for the junior school, conducted by the Rev Martin Dowland from St Mary's in Haughton Green, along with St George's vicar, the Rev Richard Lindsay.

They read children a comparison between Father Christmas and Jesus which was called 'Why Jesus is better than Santa Claus'.

According to parents, it was during this reading that Mr Dowland said, 'You all should know by now that he (Santa Claus) is not real'.

But he told the Advertiser: "The purpose of the reading was to show the children that Jesus is superior to Santa Claus, not to tell them that Santa Claus does not exist.

"If I did not take seriously that many children believe in Santa Claus there would be no need to compare him with Jesus.

"If I offended any children, teachers or parents by what I said, or have in any way spoiled their Christmas, I am deeply sorry. That was certainly not my intention.

"I apologise unreservedly and add my very best wishes to them for a happy Christmas in the hope that both Santa Claus and Jesus bring them all they could wish for."

Parents said they were surprised he had made the comment.

One mum of a 10-year-old said: "My son came out and he asked me should he believe in Santa Claus or not. I didn't know what to say.

"At the end of the day they're only kids and they're making them grow up too fast."

Another parent said she thought it had been "a bit insensitive".

Headteacher Carolyn Divers confirmed she knew about the incident, but declined to comment on the matter.


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Most recent 2 of 2 user comments

   the Rev Dowland might have slipped up a little the way he explained it but christmas is a christian festival to remember the birth of jesus and jesus is hardly mentioned, christmas has been highjacked into a time of greed and worrying debt for most families. the unremitting toy and present adverts on t v without one religious film on to explain the magic to the little ones is nauseating. the sight of that table groaning with every imaginable type of junk food on the ads whilst half the world is starving is also in poor taste. perhaps its time remember the real meaning of christmas
margaret, denton
24/01/2007 at 00:46
   I think RevDowland should be ashamed - Jesus is a misery inducing figure who is not superior to the jolly fat man - santa claus - the less Christians open their ill-informed mouths - the better.
Lee Borrell, Hazelhurst
5/01/2007 at 15:50
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