Priest apologizes after causing children to burst into tears by questioning Santa Claus existence

lee-on-the-solent - A British priest had to apologize after telling a group of school children that Santa Claus doesn't exist. The incident took place during a religious lesson at a primary school in Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire.

Pastor Paul Chamberlain brought up the subject during his religious lessons at the village's primary school. He told a group of 10 to 11-year-old students that Santa Claus wasn't real. He also reportedly said that the cookies left out for Santa were actually eaten by their parents.

Several children were said to have burst into tears, causing confusion and even anger among parents. One parent told The Times, 'I don't know how this can be undone, but I find it absolutely disgusting. I don't want him near my daughter. I hope he never comes to the school again.'

'After discussing the Christmas story from the Bible, the pastor made some comments about Santa Claus' existence,' said a spokesperson for the local Anglican parish. 'Paul has acknowledged that this was a misjudgment and that he should not have done it. He has offered his unconditional apologies to the school, parents, and children, and the headteacher immediately reached out to all parents to explain this.'