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UK's Christian heritage stressed in PM's Christmas message - BBC News
She did the same last year too.
Britons should "take pride" in their country's Christian heritage at Christmas,
Theresa May has said.
In her Christmas message, the prime minister said there is a "confidence... that in
Britain you can practice your faith free from question or fear".
Mrs May began her message by thanking "those whose service to others means they
will be spending time away from their loved ones this Christmas".
She paid tribute to the "men and women in our armed forces, whose humbling bravery
and daily sacrifices help to ensure the security of our nation and our allies around the world.
And she spoke of "the heroes in our emergency services, whose courage and dedication
so inspired the nation in response to tragedy at Grenfell Tower and the abhorrent terrorist
attacks in Manchester and London."
Mrs May also praised volunteers who give up their time at Christmas to take on faith
inspired projects, and aid agency staff working abroad.
The prime minister, who grew up in a vicarage, added: "As we celebrate the birth of Christ,
let us celebrate all those selfless acts - and countless others - that epitomise the values we
share: Christian values of love, service and compassion that are lived out every day in our
country by people all faiths and none."
Mrs May referred to Christians in some parts of the Middle East being denied religious
freedoms and the "sickening persecution of the Rohingya Muslims".
She concluded: "This Christmas, whatever our faith, let us come together confident
and united in the values we share."
She did the same last year too.
Britons should "take pride" in their country's Christian heritage at Christmas,
Theresa May has said.
In her Christmas message, the prime minister said there is a "confidence... that in
Britain you can practice your faith free from question or fear".
Mrs May began her message by thanking "those whose service to others means they
will be spending time away from their loved ones this Christmas".
She paid tribute to the "men and women in our armed forces, whose humbling bravery
and daily sacrifices help to ensure the security of our nation and our allies around the world.
And she spoke of "the heroes in our emergency services, whose courage and dedication
so inspired the nation in response to tragedy at Grenfell Tower and the abhorrent terrorist
attacks in Manchester and London."
Mrs May also praised volunteers who give up their time at Christmas to take on faith
inspired projects, and aid agency staff working abroad.
The prime minister, who grew up in a vicarage, added: "As we celebrate the birth of Christ,
let us celebrate all those selfless acts - and countless others - that epitomise the values we
share: Christian values of love, service and compassion that are lived out every day in our
country by people all faiths and none."
Mrs May referred to Christians in some parts of the Middle East being denied religious
freedoms and the "sickening persecution of the Rohingya Muslims".
She concluded: "This Christmas, whatever our faith, let us come together confident
and united in the values we share."