Scottish Catholic Observer

On Monday December 2, the public nativity outside St Nicholas Kirk, Aberdeen, was wrecked, leaving the statue of baby Jesus smashed in pieces and figures of the wise men and donkey damaged, sparking outrage among the city’s Catholics and other Christian denominations.

Aberdeen City Council has now replaced the baby Jesus statue with one from a previous nativity scene.

Bishop Hugh Gilbert of Aberdeen said: “The Diocese of Aberdeen is obviously delighted that the community has rallied around and sourced a replacement model of the baby Jesus, and I believe that the public can now once again see the Nativity scene in its full glory.

‘awful episode’ resolved

“Aberdeen City Council, as well as the local community and Aberdeen Churches Together, are to be congratulated in ensuring that this awful episode has been resolved. The Nativity scene is a welcome opportunity for busy Christmas shoppers to take time to reflect on the true meaning of the season.”

Police have charged two teenage boys, aged 13 and 17, in connection with the incident. The 17-year-old is to be reported to the Procurator Fiscal and the 13-year-old will be reported to the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration.

Bishop Gilbert said: “Whilst I would not wish to comment on the ongoing police investigation and its potential outcome, it is clearly disappointing that people so young are alleged to have taken part in this sorry episode. Now is a time to hold them and their families in our prayers.”

Shame

Ms Jennifer Stewart, deputy provost for Aberdeen City Council, who is a Catholic, said that while it is a ‘relief’ a replacement baby Jesus has been found, the two youths should ‘be ashamed of themselves’ and should ‘reflect on the impact their mindless act of violent vandalism has caused.’

She added: “I have thanked the police at the Public Protection Committee I convene for all the hard work in finding the perpetrators. The police work tirelessly and as convenor of the committee I have a strong partnership with them. It is disappointing in their already stretched resources their time has been caught up by this unnecessary act of violence.

“A public apology from the youths might help put their conscience at rest and go someway to restoring the public’s faith in mankind.”