A group of humanists in the United Kingdom is asking people and organizations to stop supporting Operation Christmas Child and give to other non-profits instead.
Operation Christmas Child is a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse, founded by well-known evangelist Franklin Graham. Families, individuals, businesses, and churches all over the world purchase gifts for children in impoverished countries so they can enjoy their Christmas as well. With permission from local leaders, they also distribute a “colorful booklet” called “The Greatest Gift,” which tells the story of Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection.
Writing in The Guardian, Polly Toynbee expressed her displeasure with the popular ministry. Toynbee, who serves as a Vice President for Humanists UK, said the shoeboxes “are used for anti-Muslim proselytizing.” She said that because of Graham’s leadership, people who pack a shoebox may be “backing a pro-Trump, anti-gay message.”
She quotes Humanists UK’s spokesman Richy Thompson, who says that, “Those who donate to the scheme are well-intentioned and want to make an altruistic contribution, but donors in the UK should be aware of the nature of Operation Christmas Child’s activities and instead find a reputable and inclusive charity that has no ulterior motives and only has children’s best interests at heart.”
Humanists UK claims that they…
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