General Chat

My Government department has not allowed it's staff to do the chaitable Samaritan's purse (Christmas shoebox for orphans etc) as it's seen as undiverse (as a Christian charity). You can be anything you want in the department and tolerated (except be Christian)! Giving things to people who have nothing may offend non Christians we were told (but I'm sure it wasn't the other faiths that complained). This may be 'undiverse' but these wooly jumpered, bearded, sandalled, basin hair cut liberal types should be sent to live on a colony on the moon!! Jacquie

yes but WHO is your department head?, and HIS?HER boss it them you should be complaining to........and ultimately ''OUR 'Tone'''

Contact Dra. Lin in Paradise she has a cure for those limp wristed Pc types.

why don't you suggest doing the shoeboxes anyway and then if any one who doesn't want to receive one can just say 'No thanks'!!!!!! Freedom of choice - works every time lol Claire

I've have a dilema with this shoe box drive. I like the idea of giving a few basics and treats to someone who needs it. I like the idea of it taking place at a time when I, despite not being religious, am enjoying a festival with my family. I think it is particularly good that fortunate children, like my own, can think of others in a time which can be very self centered for them. Picking a small gift that will appeal to a child of a similar age has more impact than a coin collection. However, I am not comfortable with the idea that religious literature is included IN the shoe box, distributed to people of a different faith, some of an impressionable age. Is this not unbalancing one of their 'rocks' when they need it the most? Does anybody else feel like it's an attempt to convert the needy? ('We bring you bright shiney beads...')

IF THERE WAS A GOD THESES PEOPLE WOULDN'T BE NEEDING CHARITY. Claire

Yes Jacquie, they're 'my lot', too. It is crazy.

Well said Jeans! I hope I get a shoebox at Christmas, preferably with a nice pair of Shoes in it. LOL Yvonne

Had no idea that Christian literature was put into these boxes. That is out of order. It is not only Christians that make up these boxes. It is done as a gesture of goodwill for children who have less than others regardless of race or creed. Jean x.

They can chuck the literature away!! Would a Jewish /Moslem pamphlet offend you if you had nothing and they gave your kids a box of treats? Aliens could donate for all I care, I wouldn't mind. Jacquie

Yes Jacquie they can chuck it away, but is it right to ask people of different faiths our School (Multi-demonational) or of no faith for contributions and then put Christian litrature in the box? Well I think its wrong. We were asked to contribute to the shoe box campaign a couple of years ago and have done so yearly. If they want to add that litrature than only ask Christians then. Instead of stopping my Children doing the shoebox I have expressed my disappointment. I agree with you Rugby Widow. Pat x

Hippo Fan, You make a good point. It just niggles with me. Why can't they just do a good turn without the preaching? From the website: 'Operation Christmas Child sends a message of hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift-filled shoe boxes and ***offering booklets of Bible stories. It focuses on the true meaning of Christmas – Jesus Christ, God’s greatest gift. ***' Does your £2 contribution help pay for printing costs as well as distribution? Have to say though that I am wavering. Sorry Pat. I am now precariously balancing on the wall. Does a gift to someone who really appreciates it make up for giving them the junk mail?

Beats bombing the opposition!