Media release: Christmas is part of our heritage

Scripture Union welcomes the statement from the Christian-Muslim forum calling for a retention of public religious festivals and the resistance of a secular mindset which seeks to remove faith elements from festivals which are, at their heart celebrations of faith.

The movement’s response comes from a belief that faith is a matter of public debate and not merely one of personal conviction.

John Grayston, Director of Theology for Scripture Union, said: ‘In obedience to the biblical requirement to love our neighbours we endorse the right of all faiths to celebrate without fear of recrimination or intimidation.

‘In particular we affirm the need for Christmas to retain its historic emphasis on the person of Jesus. It constitutes a unique opportunity for Christians to celebrate the love of God displayed in Jesus and to invite others to share in that celebration. It is part not only of our Christian but also our national heritage and to cut it loose from its religious significance is to rob it of meaning and to deny our history.’

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Notes to Newsdesk:

1) John Grayston is available for interview. Please contact Richard Wells, Head of Communication, Scripture Union. Direct Line 01908 856153. Mobile 07905 223980.

2) Scripture Union (England & Wales) is an international mission movement working with churches in more than 130 countries to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to children, young people and families, and to encourage them to develop spiritually through the Bible and prayer.