The Church of England Unmasks a Brighter Way to Celebrate Halloween This September

Church says it’s time to ‘lighten up’ Halloween

New book challenges churches to promote positive messages in the face of Trick or Treat craze

The Church of England has unmasked a brighter way to celebrate Halloween with the publication of a new resource book that invites churches to run their own special parties, offering children aged 5-11 a positive alternative to the usual fare of Halloween activities.

Better than Halloween has been published in response to the concerns of increasing numbers of Christians over the messages that Halloween - and in particular the associated tradition of ‘Trick or Treating’ - convey to children and young people.

The Rt Revd David Gillett, Bishop of Bolton, says: “Christian parents are rightly worried about possible connections between Halloween and various occult practices, and young people increasingly feel pressured by their friends to join in with activities such as trick or treating. Christianity needs to make clear its positive message for young people. It’s high time we reclaimed a Christian stake in Halloween.”

Whilst in recent years many churches have begun to organise alternative events for children on or around Halloween, this is the first time that the Church has offered practical suggestions for parishes on the subject. The Rt Revd David Gillett continues: “Better than Halloween suggests approaches and ideas that are both Biblical and child-centred. I hope that many more churches will take confidence from these, and begin a new wave of re-christening the occasion to become a positive opportunity for Christian outreach.”

The book – written by Nick Harding, a Children’s Mission Support Officer based in Nottinghamshire - contains an overview of the traditions of Halloween, and the reasons why many Christians chose not to celebrate it. This is followed by a wealth of ideas for running children’s parties that aim to take the place of witches, pumpkins and ghosts, replacing them with colour, light and lively positive activities such as playing games, craft activities, costume competitions and singing songs.

Alongside these creative suggestions for children’s parties, Better than Halloween also provides essential information on child protection and the practicalities of organizing such events. A free full colour CD ROM accompanies the book and provides supporting resources, such as party invitations and worksheets.

Text taken from the official press release for Better than Halloween (September 2006)