Schoolchildren performing a Christmas program at G.W. Trenholm School in Tuscumbia, Alabama are the latest targets in the ongoing war on Christmas.
It seems their program, a secular play called ‘The Reindeer Rebellion’ includes the song "Silent Night."
According to the group Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, the song is unconstitutional if it is used in the play.
Fox News' Todd Starnes reported:
“As a Christian minister, I love the hymn ‘Silent Night, Holy Night,’ but it’s not appropriate in this circumstance,” said Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United in a statement to Fox News & Commentary. “This play takes place at a public elementary school and involves very young children.”
Lynn's problem with the song is that it “celebrates the birth of Christ as the savior, and not all families believe that.”
Principal Janice Jackson told Fox News & Commentary that the song has always been sung without any problems.
“We were so surprised because we are such a small school and we’re a small community. We can’t believe we were singled out for this,” he said. “I thought it was a joke but the more I checked into it, I immediately called my superintendent.”
WHNT reported:
Parents we talked with were furious that such a request was made.
"I just don't think that other people should impose their values or beliefs on us, just like we as Christians impose it necessarily on others," said Johnson. "I don't think they're making people participate if they don't want to. It's their choice."
The school system says that its attorney is researching the case law, and believes the system can use the song in its program since the song does not play a prominent role in the presentation.
Meanwhile, Johnson, who has seen the kids practice the program, says 'Silent Night' is very moving.
"If you see it, it's beautiful. They sign, it's the whole school," said Johnson. "It's like watching angels sing it. It's beautiful."
System administrators say they will continue to research their legal rights up until the time of the program, which is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday at the school.
But this story has a very happy ending.
According to Starnes, school officials have decided to ignore the complaint, and let children sing the song anyway, after consulting with attorneys.
David Cortman of the Alliance Defense Fund praised the school's decision.
“Groups on the left such as Americans United have been trying to bully schools across the country all during this Christmas season," he said.
“When they tell schools it is unconstitutional to include a song such as ‘Silent Night’ in their Christmas program, they are simply wrong not only as a matter of law but also as a matter of fairness.”
“I think it’s about time that not only Americans but schools specifically stand up to these Grinches who go on this Christmas attack every year yet deny there is any war on Christmas,” Cortman added.
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