![]() ![]() The Oadby parade on the afternoon of Sunday, November 12 will involve hundreds of people including standard bearers from various soldiers groups around the county. The Oadby Royal British Legion branch - which is a separate body from the club - has met with the vicar and agreed to Rev Bailey's request to not sing the song this year.īut Mr Thorpe claimed the branch may want to review the change for next year, based on the response from the congregation. ![]() Mr Thorpe said: 'There were lots of complaints and it was back the next year.' In 2012 another newly appointed vicar decided the hymn should not be sung at the Remembrance Service. 'I am happy to discuss the matter with them as well as to provide reassurance that the Remembrance Service in the church remains a Christian service and one in which everyone can feel welcome.' 'I understand that the British Legion branch is now discussing their Social Club members' complaints with the individuals who raised them. 'This year for the first time Oadby Multicultural Group will be laying a wreath at the War Memorial as well as the one I will lay on behalf of the parish and we do want people of all faiths who are paying respect to those from their own faiths and cultures who served and gave their lives, to feel welcome in the service. The whole thing is quite upsetting really.' 'We also have many different religions within our 400 members here, and no-one has ever complained to me about it. He says it is because we live in a multi-faith society - but people of all faiths serve in the British military, and have died for this country in wartime. 'We had hoped he might change his mind, but he is adamant it won't be sung. ![]() As a result of the vicar's decision I'm refusing to enter the church. There was uproar then, and there is uproar now. 'That was a few years ago, when another vicar tried to ban it. I have been going to Remembrance Services in Oadby since 1967, and Onward, Christian Soldiers has been sung ever year apart from one. Pete Green, chairman of the Oadby Royal British Legion club, said: 'It is absolutely unbelievable. Participants march into the church to the traditional hymn at the end of the service every year.īut RBL members claim this year the vicar vetoed the hymn because people at the service would not necessarily be Christian. The Reverend Steve Bailey banned the hymnĪ vicar has banned the rousing Onward Christian Soldiers hymn from a Remembrance Sunday service 'in case it offends non-Christians'.įurious members of a Royal British Legion club are now planning to boycott the service at St Peter's Church in Oadby, Leicestershire after the Reverend Steve Bailey banned the hymn. ![]()
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