Article content

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — Newfoundland and Labrador schools have quit participation in an annual charitable Christmas program after complaints it is sponsored by an evangelical Christian group that rejects gay marriage.

The evangelical group Samaritan’s Purse collects shoeboxes full of items for children in developing countries through its Operation Christmas Child program.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or N.L. schools quit Christmas charity over complaints evangelical sponsor is anti-gay Back to video

Interim superintendent Tony Stack said the group doesn’t fit with the English School District’s philosophy of inclusion and has been the centre of complaints, particularly as it relates to LGBT acceptance. The district represents all 259 English-language public schools in the province.

The decision was made at a Nov. 25 board of trustees’ meeting, and Stack adds the board supports a variety of charities including those that provide shoeboxes to developing countries.

“Additionally, trustees directed staff to develop guidelines for schools regarding their interactions with outside or third party organizations who wish to participate or organize activities within district schools,” the district said in a news release.