Bradford — a city in the UK that is reportedly chocked full of leftist rhetoric — plans to erect a “multi-faith” evergreen tree in a local City Hall. As Christians around the world are decking the halls and testing their cookie recipes, the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce’s Black Asian and Minority Ethnic Business Committee is branching out with its Tannenbaum.
The multi-fatih tree is supposed to be representative of Bradford’s diverse community, but Christians are pointing out the cultural appropriation and attack on their faith instead. It’s true that more than one-third of Bradford’s population stems from minority backgrounds, but Christians are asking why their holiday should be centered around people of other faiths.
Bradford, UK, 1/3 of residents are from Pakistan. Soon they will be the majority. pic.twitter.com/yjQle7cfz2
— RadioGenoa (@RadioGenoa) October 2, 2023
If the tree is to represent diverse faiths and not as a means of watering down Christianity, why erect it only during the Christmas season? GB News Anchor Darren Grimes asked, “Will you be forcing other faiths in Bradford to observe multi-faith symbols in the name of diversity and inclusion, or does this only apply to important events within the Christian calendar?”
Why? Will you be forcing other faiths in Bradford to observe multi faith symbols in the name of diversity and inclusion, or does this only apply to important events within the Christian calendar? https://t.co/E8vLbZLdJH
— Darren Grimes (@darrengrimes_) November 14, 2023
BAME chairwoman Nasreen Karim told the local Telegraph & Argus newspaper, “The whole purpose of the BAME Business Committee was to ensure that all diverse businesses were being represented by the Chamber, to ensure all voices were being heard.”
She continued, “We want to bring communities together. This tree encompasses that. It’s an opportunity for not just the business community but the community at large to celebrate the tapestry of our vibrant community, especially during a time of world conflicts.”
Saleem Kader, a board member of the BAME committee, originally offered up the idea to the board. He said, “We wanted to celebrate the fact that this city, despite its critics, demonstrates how true is the power of multiculturalism. The city with the many cultures from all over the world blended together in harmony, this is truly something to be very proud of.”
With the majority of the UK’s population celebrating Christmas, the decision to erect such a tree in celebration of all faiths comes as a slap in the face to many. To stem complaints from the Christian community, a traditional Christmas tree will be erected as well.
‘A multi-faith festive tree’🤔
You mean a CHRISTMAS tree or is that a forbidden word now in Bradford?🤔🙄 https://t.co/FBST0eoNyc— Penny Rimmington (@Olgachristie) November 15, 2023
A handful of faith groups plan to attend an unveiling of the tree during the holiday season. It’s difficult to gauge how many Christians might show up.
