A British pastor was accused of ruining Christmas for a group of elementary school children after telling them Santa Claus doesn’t exist. During a religious education class, the Rev. Paul Chamberlain told 10- and 11-year-olds at St. Faith’s Church, “You’re all year six, now let’s be real, Santa isn’t real,” according to The Telegraph.

The children, upon hearing the comments, reportedly were shocked. Some ended up sobbing after he told them that it was their parents who purchase and wrap their Christmas gifts and eat the cookies left out by Santa, The UK Times reported.

“He also was saying what Santa likes. Someone said, ‘He likes cookies.’ Then he said, ‘Do your parents like cookies?’ … He said how the parents were the ones that were eating it,” a 10-year-old pupil was quoted as saying.

As reported by The Christian Post, parents have also issued complaints in response to the incident.

“Lots of children started crying in class. Mine was upset, but she still believes, so I’m quite lucky she’s still not believing him, and she thinks he’s lost the plot,” a mother was quoted as saying.

Another parent called the comments by the pastor “absolutely disgusting,” expressing worry over how to “bring the magic back.” The parent continued, “I don’t want him anywhere near my daughter. I hope he never comes into the school again.”

The school later sent an email to parents reassuring them and informing that “all stories and legends around Christmas” are recognized and that “your own family beliefs are what are important and just as valid as [the] Christian Christmas story,” The Guardian reported.

According to a spokesperson for the Anglican Diocese of Portsmouth, “Paul has accepted that this was an error of judgment and he should not have done so. He apologized unreservedly to the school, to the parents and the children, and the headteacher immediately wrote to all parents to explain this.”

The spokesman noted that the school and diocese had worked closely to resolve the issue and that parents received a second message from the headteacher, including the pastor’s apology.

A complaint was also made against Chamberlain, who was not expected to attend an upcoming carol service.

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