Are Nativity plays offensive to other cultures?

WHEN my daughter was five, she was a shepherd in her school Nativity play. My husband took a day off from work to watch her as it was a proud moment for us. My father was a strict Jain who wouldn’t eat potatoes, garlic or onions because they belonged to the life underground. However, every year he would ask me if there were any Christian girls in my class so he could give them jewellery from our shop. And, during Ramadan, I would give earrings to Muslim girls. Dad taught us to respect all people and their beliefs. I don’t agree with this codswallop about other cultures getting offended if we have Nativity plays in schools. Some teachers are pushing their own agenda in the name of foreigners to save themselves the time and effort. It’s high time parents put their foot down — and people of other religions made it clear they have no objection.

Name and address supplied. How refreshing to read a leading columnist in a national daily paper supporting an age-old Christian tradition (Mail). The latest survey revealing that the school nativity play is in peril is shameful. As Quentin Letts said, such plays help to create a sense of community and, as a Christian country, we mustn’t let our traditions disappear. In my village, a group of us goes to the primary school and acts out Bible stories with the children in assembly each week. we’re received enthusiastically by them. All schools should at least recognise that Christmas is a holy festival and that it should be supported, especially in these troubled times. SUZANNE BRADSHAW, Llangynidr, Powys. AS A former music professional who worked with David Bowie and other top acts, I know that theatrical performance allied with music has a unique ability to connect with the young. So I recently wrote a carol, The Age Old Reason For Joy, with scores for schools, to teach them (and remind adults) what Christmas is about. See robinmayhew.co.uk.

ROBIN MAYHEW, address supplied.