A pastor working in a US private school has sparked controversy after cancelling events related to Autism Awareness Week.
Pastor Matt Baker from Trinity Christian Academy in Lake Worth, Florida stated in an email to the school community: "…any philosophy, teaching, or program that teaches our precious children that their identity is found in anything other than Christ is idolatry and demonic. Period."
The cancellation at Trinity Christian Academy in Lake Worth, Florida deeply upset Andrea Gallik, whose autistic son Miles attends the academy.
She told The Daily Beast: "It just broke my heart. As far as the staff and teachers there, everyone has been so kind and loving."
Gallik highlighted to the news outlet that the planned activities for Autism Awareness Week were not intended to conflict with Christian beliefs but to "promote understanding".
Heather McKay, another affected parent and teacher's aide at the school, faced repercussions for sharing Baker's email on social media which led to her termination over an alleged "hostile work history."
Pastor Baker did not respond to requests for comment.