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The child hasn't started yet and we will be arranging a meeting with the family, but mum did mention that the child is not to join in any Christmas songs, decorations and cards or Easter activities. She is fine with other festivals apart from these. How can we include her without excluding the other children by not doing them?

Twiggy - Jehovah's Witness beliefs

I think personally you should reinforce your equal opportunities policy. What would you do if a Christian mother expressed a requirement for her child not to celebrate Muslim festivals?

Maestro - Jehovah's Witness beliefs

Equal opportunities applies to allowing the Jehovah's Witness their beliefs. You would not make a pork casserole and expect Jewish children to eat it, would you? You would offer them a similar but alternative meal. Witnesses' beliefs differ from other mainstream Christian faiths in several areas. They do not believe in the Holy Trinity, but believe in Satan as an active force responsible for the world's problems. They do not celebrate Christmas or Easter but remember Christ's death. They do not celebrate any holidays or festivals belonging to another religion with the exception of Christ's death (Memorial).