News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

St_Peters_Church_Oadby_Main_article_image.jpg
Tim Glover
UK News

Vicar that banned 'Onward Christian Soldiers' from Remembrance Sunday service receives 'unpleasant' messages

Reverend Bailey had also told the BBC that the change was made in order to sound "fresh" however, members of the Oadby Royal British Legion social club had decided to boycott the service because of this.  The decision to change the hymn was criticised, saying that it was done to avoid offending non-Christians.

However, Reverend Bailey said the outcome was made in agreement with the branch of Royal British Legion in Oadby, which is different to the social club.

The vicar, who has been a part of the service for seven years, said: "The church and myself have since received unpleasant communications.

"The choice of hymns and prayers will be made each year to meet the needs of the time."

Ian Thorpe, vice-chairman of the social club, said some members were unhappy because Onward, Christian Soldiers had been sung "nearly every year".

"There have been phone calls of an ugly nature [to the vicar] - that was never anybody's intention," he said.

"We've agreed to go with this year's order of service, as the vicar wishes, but they've agreed to meet early next year to discuss the order of service for the Centenary."

The Diocese of Leicester said: "The Remembrance parade and service... will be a time to honour the fallen and remember the horror of war.

"The Church and Royal British Legion in Oadby will continue to work together in the coming years to ensure that this remains a deeply relevant, fresh and dignified occasion."

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate