Girl guides are being urged not to say grace before meals to avoid offending Muslims or atheists.
New guidance aimed at boosting ‘inclusivity’ asks Girlguiding groups to “think of a statement that doesn’t make reference to any particular god or faith”.
It is the latest in a series of ‘inclusive’ measures from an organisation that has become increasingly secular in recent years.
Foolish
The guidance suggests that girls use the neutral phrase, “let’s all take a moment to show gratitude for this food and to remember how fortunate we are to have this meal”.
A member of the Church of England’s General Synod, described the move as “absolute nonsense”.
Alison Ruoff told the Mail on Sunday: “The Guides are being very foolish in trying to whitewash Christianity, and they must not.”
In 2013 the group stated that Guides would no longer promise to serve God but pledge to be “true to myself and develop my beliefs”.
Trans guidance
This week, the Guides faced widespread criticism when it emerged that boys who ‘identify’ as girls are allowed to use the toilets and changing rooms of their choice under official guidance.
Leaders are also advised not to tell parents if their daughters will be required to share shower and sleeping facilities with boys.
Feminist campaigner Julie Bindel expressed her alarm, saying: “This signifies the end to girl-only space and the safety of girls in single-sex organisations.”