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Tories create unholy row over Holyrood festivities

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Published Date: 09 December 2007
A Scottish Parliament "Festive Evening" has been criticised for watering down Christmas celebrations.
Tory MSPs claim Holyrood bosses are "taking Christ out of Christmas".

The official programme for this year's event refers only to "Christmas songs" rather than carols. Critics also point out that whereas in previous years there were several lessons read by MSPs, this year there will only be one five-minute Gospel reading.

Scots Tory deputy leader Murdo Fraser has lodged a motion at the Scottish Parliament complaining about the measure.

Fraser said last night: "This is the Scottish Parliament taking Christ out of Christmas. It does a massive disservice to all religions."

When first held at the Parliament, the Christmas service was led by the minister from the nearby Canongate Kirk, Charles Robinson.

However, Parliament officials defended the Festive Evening last night, insisting a strong Christian theme would be running through the event. A spokesman said: "The Christmas focus is strong, with traditional carols and songs, a Gospel reading, an Ecumenical blessing and a reading from Dickens' A Christmas Carol."



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  • Last Updated: 08 December 2007 9:51 PM
  • Source: Scotland On Sunday
  • Location: Scotland
  • Related Topics: The Scottish Parliament
 
1

GW,

Aberdeenshire 09/12/2007 01:42:44

"The 'Christmas focus' is strong..."

The point is the 'Christ focus' should be strong!

2

,

09/12/2007 02:12:21
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
3

,

09/12/2007 04:01:45
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
4

Inspector Murdoch,

Drylaw. 09/12/2007 09:53:51

If Murdo (known chore) Fraser is going to be there they had better nail doon anything nickable.

5

Boy Wonder,

09/12/2007 10:05:09

"... Fraser said last night: "This is the Scottish Parliament taking Christ out of Christmas. It does a massive disservice to all religions ..."

Er ... what other religions? Only Christians recognise Christ. Others don't ...

Is Mr Fraser, still dep leader of the Scottish Chories??? Watch out for him, Hannabel ... he'll be trying to nick your spot soon enough!

6

Inspector Murdoch,

Drylaw. 09/12/2007 10:21:30

Good one Boy Wonder " Scottish Chories" hope it sticks that an "Nae Baws Broon"

7

Cadgers,

Perth 09/12/2007 11:07:04

#5 Good one BW, Chories indeed :-))

8

Homo Sapiens,

09/12/2007 13:30:08

While Christmas should be celebrated as it is an important religious event/holiday for a large portion of the population, the parliament should similarly honour the faith and main events of other religions, or distance itself from religious celebrations alltogether.

9

Jock Tamson,

Scotland, Caledonia, Alba 09/12/2007 15:47:24

They should let Wendy pray for forgiveness - if she's still there, that is.

10

Wilber,

Scotland 09/12/2007 16:47:35

Boy Wonder - incorrect, in Islam Christ is recognised as a prophet of Allah.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_views_of_Jesus

He is also recognised by Hindus and Ba'hai.

I believe Murdo's point though is that cheapening the value of one religion's festival can quickly spread to those of other religions.

11

It's only a game,

09/12/2007 19:11:32

The minister from the Canongate kirk was Charles Robertson. You would thing that the journo(word used advisedly) would check these things out prior to writing his piece.

Bad reporting again

12

Masque,

09/12/2007 20:50:17

#10. But Christianity believes Christ is the literal Son of God. The others don't, do they? Or if they did, wouldn't they be Christians too?

I like Chries, BW. Hope it catches on! :)

13

Boy Wonder,

09/12/2007 23:23:16

#13. I know you meant Chories, Masque. Let's just see.

14

Alberto.,

17/02/2008 08:46:15
#9

Surely all the members at Holyrood should join in - althought it may be a very, very, long time before they are forgiven - if ever!

 

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