Christmas is not cancelled: the Streatham Common crib controversy

The Nativity crib on Streatham Common, south London

At every Christmas since 1956, a nativity scene has been on display in my local community, in Streatham Common, south London.

The crib was the idea of Albert Steiert and John Taylor, both members of a local catholic church, who were concerned that the true meaning of Christmas was being overlooked. John built the first crib and Albert painted it.

Controversy

But in 1985, Lambeth Council’s Amenity Sub-committee decided that the crib would no longer be allowed to be placed on the Common because they were concerned about offending people of other faiths.

The decision drew hostile headlines in the national press such as ‘Away With The Manger’ and ‘No Room On The Common’. The media used the incident as another example of Lambeth Council’s then “looney left” image.

Overwhelming support

However, in response to the council’s concerns, John Taylor got in touch with local Hindu and Muslim leaders and asked them for their views. They said they had no objection at all to the crib.

When faced with the overwhelming support of both other faiths and other Christian denominations, Lambeth Council reversed their decision and the crib was restored.

2025 is the 69th year that the crib has been part of the local festive scenery. Despite the busy location there has been very little vandalism, apart from a rogue brick thrown a few years ago which was quickly repaired.

Cancelled

Some people are intent on pushing a narrative about ‘Christmas being cancelled’ and that the Christian faith is being increasingly marginalised and persecuted. This tactic was used by Tommy Robinson in his emails to raise funding for his carol concert last weekend:

“The left-wing elites are waging a ruthless war on Christianity, tearing down our crosses and silencing our prayers in the name of their globalist agenda. Christmas is slowly being re-branded as ‘winter holidays’ by left-wing anti-Christian bigots.”

But actually, the story of Streatham Common crib does not fit with this narrative.

Yes, there was a silly and ill-informed decision made by a council committee 37 years ago. But this was successfully challenged by local people who proved the authorities’ assumptions wrong.

The controversy was just a short-term blip in a far longer story where the council have facilitated and supported this distinctively Christian symbol being part of the public display.

Connection

Of course there are more significant matters related to the issue of how local authorities work with churches than Christmas decorations.

For 4 years I worked for central government as an Adviser on how local councils work with faith groups to address rough sleeping. The role existed because in every town and city in the UK, faith groups are critical to the efforts to help people affected by homelessness.

Communication

During that time, I found that the vast majority of council staff are both pragmatic and positive about working with people of faith.

There are common tensions between faith groups and local authorities (see here for more). But often, disputes are more due to communication and personality issues rather than deliberate marginalisation or ‘faith-phobia’.

Every day in that role I heard admiration and appreciation from local authorities for the energy and commitment of Christian organisations, including those most upfront and passionate about their convictions.

What is also clear is that many people today have less ‘baggage’ with faith and spirituality than in previous generations. There is less familiarity and less contempt. I find many younger people genuinely open to the Christian faith in a less suspicious way than my generation.

Public witness

So what are the lessons from the Streatham Common crib controversy?

Firstly, there are times when Christians need to stand up against opposition. And unlike Tommy Robinson’s baseless claims that ‘crosses are being torn down’, this is best done with evidence which challenges unfair and inaccurate assumptions.

But secondly, we must also remember that a public witness to Christian faith is often warmly welcomed and supported by those outside the Church. Often the limiting factors to the public witness of faith are more connected to our own reticence and lack of confidence rather than an oppressive external forces.

So let’s not exaggerate persecutions or recycle scare-stories. All this does is increase fear, defensiveness and division. Rather, let’s be more like Albert Steiert and John Taylor who used their creativity and commitment to share their faith in an enduring way in the community they loved.