U.K.-BIRMINGHAM: IT'S NOT CHRISTMAS, IT'S A WINTERVAL

Christian Muslim Forum slams Christmas rebrand

CHRISTIAN and Muslim leaders in Peterborough say moves to suppress the traditions of Christmas is taking political correctness a step too far.

City centre chaplain The Rev Ian Houghton and chairman of the Muslim Council of Peterborough Zahid Hussain have added their weight to a national campaign urging councils not to ban Christmas.

They have expressed their disbelief at revelations this week that the local authority in Birmingham has named its seasonal celebrations “Winterval”, while Luton has attempted to change Christmas into a Harry Potter festival by renaming its festive lights “Luminous”.

Angry at these moves, the newly-created Christian Muslim Forum has fired off a strongly worded letter to local authorities up and down the country pleading for the real meaning of Christmas not to be stamped out.

In the letter, council leaders were told that the result of not mentioning a religious celebration to avoid causing offence would backfire and end up offending the entire population.

Today, Rev Houghton welcomed the letter and echoed the body’s fears that the rebranding of Christmas could spark a backlash against Muslims.

He said: “I think the forum is absolutely right that there is an over-sensitivity and attempts to be scrupulous by local authorities.“

As a result, this may lead to a Muslim backlash.

People can often have things attributed to them that they are not saying.

“We all celebrate other people’s festivals, and some of the people in local authorities don’t understand the place of faith in contemporary society. I know enough about Muslims to know that they respect the Christian religion very highly.”

He added that however hard people tried to suppress the spirit of Christmas, it would remain a vital part of all its festivities.

He said: “The giving of presents is symbolic and saying ‘Christmas’ brings to mind Jesus’s name. Millions are aware of the connections, and it’s difficult to break them.”

The Muslim Council’s Mr Hussain said: “Christmas has been celebrated for many, many years and any changes to the name would be offensive, in my view. I fully support this letter. Christmas is Christmas and I don’t think rebranding it is a good idea. Why suddenly change the name when it’s been like that for so many years? “

It’s the celebration of Jesus’s birth. It’s a festival everybody celebrates. Muslims believe that Jesus is a prophet rather than the son of God, but he is very important. We respect him as well as Christians.

“We want people to be tolerant. We should live in harmony and respect people’s views.“

As British Muslims, we all get involved and celebrate it. We have had Christmas dinners and parties. It’s all about getting together and integrating.”

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