Families furious as Santa swaps sleigh for steam train in Manchester this Christmas
- Rev Dr Paul Chamberlain delivered a sermon to students, stating Santa Claus is not real.
- Children reacted with tears, and parents lodged complaints about the impact on holiday spirit.
- Following backlash, the vicar issued an apology for his comments and acknowledged his error.
In the UK, during a recent sermon at St Faith's Church, Rev Dr Paul Chamberlain addressed Year Six pupils from Lee-on-the-Solent Junior School, causing distress among the children. He bluntly stated that Santa Claus does not exist and suggested that their parents were the ones consuming cookies on Christmas Eve. This revelation led many children to tears, prompting complaints from parents who felt that the minister had ruined their festive spirit. Following the incident, teachers worked actively to reinstate the magic of Christmas by creating badges that read 'Lee-on-the-Solent believe' and reassuring parents that all Christmas stories hold significance. The Diocese of Portsmouth acknowledged the uproar and stated that Rev Chamberlain accepted that his remarks were inappropriate and issued a public apology. This incident raises concerns over the role of religion and traditional beliefs during the holiday season, particularly in educational settings where the essence of Christmas should promote joy and magic rather than debunking cherished myths.