"Once again, this is a politically correct language gone crazy, and I am glad to know that our Muslim and Jewish friends share our view". With these words, mgr. Crispian Hollis, bishop of the diocese of Portsmouth, to which the south side of Oxford belongs, commented the decision taken by the famous university city to ban the word Christmas and call the next holidays "Winter festival of light". "This decision offends the Christian community of the city, does nothing to promote racial harmony, and in the name of inclusion excludes the traditions of a substantial part of the population of the city. I disapprove of this decision and hope the municipality will change its mind", said the bishop. The decision was taken by the charity "Oxford Inspires", in charge of the cultural initiatives for the county Oxford belongs to, and has aroused the criticism of the Muslim and Jewish religious leaders as well as Christians. "I am extremely sorry", stated Sabir Hussain Mirza, president of the Muslim Council of Oxford, "Christians, Muslims and other religions are all looking forward to celebrating Christmas". For rabbi Eli Bracknell of the educational centre of Hebraism of the city, "any decision that waters down the traditional culture and Christianity in the United Kingdom is not positive for the British identity".
