An English pastor is accused of ruining Christmas by telling a group of children at a primary school that Father Christmas does not exist. These remarks, made during a religious education class, reportedly made several students cry and angered some parents.

Speaking to a class of 10- and 11-year-olds at St. Faith’s Church, the Rev. Paul Chamberlain said: “You’re all in sixth grade, now let’s be real, Santa isn’t real.” , causing audible gasps and shock among the children, according to The telegraph. He shared this fact while discussing the Nativity story.

Some students at the school sobbed in response to his assertion that it is their parents who buy and wrap their Christmas presents and eat the cookies left for Santa. British weather reported.

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“He also said what Santa likes. Someone said, “He likes cookies.” Then he said, “Do your parents like cookies?” … He explained that it was the parents who ate it,” a 10-year-old student reportedly said.

The incident quickly sparked complaints from some parents.

“A lot of children started crying in class. Mine was upset but she still believes it, so I’m very lucky that she still doesn’t believe it and she thinks he’s lost the plot,” one mother was quoted as saying.

Another parent whose 7-year-old heard about the pastor’s comments called the pastor’s remarks “absolutely disgusting,” expressing concern about how to “bring back the magic.” The parent added: “I don’t want him anywhere near my daughter. I hope he never comes to school again.

The school had to send an email to parents to reassure them, informing them that “all stories and legends around Christmas” are recognized and that “your own family beliefs are important and just as valid as (the) story Christian Christmas.” The guardian reported.

A spokesperson for the Anglican Diocese of Portsmouth was quoted as saying: “Paul accepted that this was an error of judgment and that he should not have done it. He apologized unreservedly to the school, parents and children and the headteacher immediately wrote to all parents to explain.

The spokesperson noted that the school and diocese worked closely to resolve the issue and that a second message from the principal was sent to parents, including the pastor’s apology.

A complaint was reportedly filed against Chamberlain, who was not expected to attend an upcoming Christmas carol service.