GETTY FILE PICTURE The school has removed religion references from a Christmas carol

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The school, in the area of Amal, has cut lines from 'Now Light 1,000 Christmas Lights' which make references to Jesus and God. Even a line about "a star over Bethlehem" has been edited – and replaced with the phrase "the star over all of us". The move has provoked criticism, with one of the pupil’s grandfathers writing an angry letter to a local newspaper.

We shouldn't be afraid of our Swedish traditions Local resident

Calling for an end to "special treatment for newly arrived students", he wrote: "Who took the decision to change the Christmas song? "The idea was that [migrants] would be integrated into Swedish society and not vice versa. "We shouldn't be afraid of our Swedish traditions. Soon we'll have none left."

GETTY FILE PICTURE Even a line about 'a star over Bethlehem' has been edited out

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In a statement, a spokesman for the school said it had made the changes to the lyrics to prepare children for a "changing world" They allow "all students regardless of nationality and religion" to participate in the festive celebrations, he added. He said: "Protecting Swedish traditions is important, but ensuring pupils have the courage to meet a changing world is another important task for the school."

GETTY FILE PICTURE One of the pupil's grandfathers has penned an angry letter

Last week Express.co.uk reported schoolchildren in an Italian town had been banned from mentioning Jesus in Christmas songs. Youngsters preparing for their school production in Pontevico were given lyric sheets with Jesus' name removed from popular tunes. Defending the bizarre decision, headteacher Paola Bellini said: "Children will sing songs that evoke universal themes of peace and solidarity."

GETTY FILE PICTURE The changes were made to prepare pupils for a 'changing world'

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