An English pastor is accused of ruining Christmas after he informed a group of elementary school children that Santa is a myth. Parents were angered by the remarks which were delivered during a religious lesson. Allegedly some students were brought to tears. Rev Dr. Paul Chamberlain was invited by a school to speak to the 10- and 11-year-old children at St. Faith’s Church.
The Diocese Chamberlain works for, released a statement on what happened. “We understand that the vicar of St Faith’s, Lee-on-the-Solent, the Rev Paul Chamberlain, was leading an RE lesson for 10 and 11-year-olds at Lee-on-the-Solent Junior School,” the organization said. “After talking about the Nativity story from the Bible, he made some comments about the existence of Father Christmas.
A 10-year-old pupil relayed what happened: “He also was saying what Santa likes. Someone said, ‘He likes cookies.’ Then he said, ‘Do your parents like cookies?’ And a lot of them said, ‘Yeah.’ And then he said how the parents were the ones that were eating it.” The student went on to say, “I heard a lot of gasps because they were shocked about it, so I don’t think everyone knew.”
According to The Telegraph, he made the remarks while discussing the nativity. You’re all year six, now let’s be real, Santa isn’t real.” According to parents, several children were reduced to tears. One parent explained how “Lots of children started crying in class. Mine was upset but she still believes so I’m quite lucky she’s still not believing him and she thinks he’s lost the plot.”
Parents were not gentle with their condemnation. “I think it’s wrong, but a lot of parents have had to confess to their child,” one mother said. “I don’t know how it can be undone, but I think it’s disgusting…It’s been difficult, really difficult because she’s a very bright little girl. So we’re just going to try and just push as much magic into this as we can”
Teachers released an email to their students. They expressed that they have told children that “all stories and legends around Christmas” are legitimate, and reassured them that “your own family beliefs are what are important and just as valid as Christian Christmas story.” Rev. Chamberlain has unreservedly apologized for his comments.
A spokesman for the Anglican Diocese of Portsmouth said “Paul has accepted that this was an error of judgment and he should not have done so. He apologized unreservedly to the school, to the parents and the children and the headteacher immediately wrote to all parents to explain this.” A second email from the school will feature his written apology.
Teachers from the school have decided to bring Santa back to their school. In addition to the emails they’ve sent to parents, they’ve taken a number of actions to bring the magic back to Christmas. Instructors at the school have now resorted to making badges for the children saying “Lee-on-the-Solent believe” to bring back holiday wonder. Rev Dr. Paul Chamberlain will not be appearing at the upcoming Christmas Carol service.