N.L. schools reject Christmas program backed by anti-gay evangelical charity
ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — Newfoundland and Labrador schools have quit participation in an annual charitable Christmas program after complaints it is sponsored by an evangelical Christian group that rejects gay marriage.
The evangelical group Samaritan’s Purse collects shoeboxes full of items for children in developing countries through its Operation Christmas Child program.
Interim superintendent Tony Stack said the group doesn’t fit with the English School District’s philosophy of inclusion and has been the centre of complaints, particularly as it relates to LGBT acceptance. The district represents all 259 English-language public schools in the province.
The decision was made at a Nov. 25 board of trustees’ meeting, and Stack adds the board supports a variety of charities including those that provide shoeboxes to developing countries.