Protests have erupted outside a primary school after it cancelled Easter celebrations to “respect diverse beliefs”.
Around 50 Christian activists gathered outside Norwood Primary School in Eastleigh, Hampshire on Friday, where they argued with parents over the “erasure of Christianity” while holding a sign reading: “Headteacher Stephanie Mander wants to cancel Easter - let’s cancel her!”
The protest comes after headteacher Stephanie Mander sent a letter to parents saying the decision to scrap Easter celebrations had been made out of "respect for diversity" - and "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 planned to celebrate Refugee Week in June - in a bid to become an "accredited school of sanctuary".
READ IN FULL: Stephanie Mander's letter to parentsNORWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOLThe primary school for students aged three to 11 has no religious affiliation.
The school has since clarified that Easter will still be celebrated, but children will learn about the religious significance of the event during lessons and engage in themed craft activities instead.
The group of Christian protesters from the Living Word Church in Fareham, Hants, gathered with England flags bearing the messages "Jesus: the way, the truth, the life" and "Jesus is king."
Reverend Chris Wickland stated that the protest was in response to the school's cancellation of the Easter service and what he described as the exclusion of Christianity in schools. He claimed they were not there to “cause trouble”.
MORE LIKE THIS:
Ukip leader Nick Tenconi attended the protest, saying: “We are saying that Christianity is being put to the side so that head teachers can tick a diversity box to receive more money.”
Around 10 parents counter-protested in front of the school gates.
Speaking to The Telegraph, counter-protester Iqra said: “None of those people have children at this school. I am just so upset that the children are being taught hate. It is so unnecessary.”
Another anonymous parent said the headteacher was “an amazing person” who had “brought this school out of the gutter”.
He added: “At the end of the day they are still celebrating Easter.x”
He explained that one of the reasons the school decided to cancel the bonnet parade was because low-income families couldn't afford to create one.
He also mentioned that the school has provided numerous opportunities for families to express their concerns.
One of the Christians - grandmother Marie Pigney - said she believes a foundation in Christianity is good for children and society.
Around 10 parents counter-protested in front of the school gates
GOOGLE MAPS
She added: “Christians are fed up of being pushed out and being called names.”
Rob Owen, another Christian activist, 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.”
The Christian protesters left the school before the end of the school day, at around 3.15pm.
A spokesman 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.”
