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Royal Mail receives Church of England’s stamp of approval

18 November 2008

The Church of England has warmly welcomed the Royal Mail’s decision this year to issue Christmas stamps with a Christian theme in parallel to their ‘Pantomime’ series.  The Royal Mail has printed tens of millions of both sets of stamps.

Since 4 November, customers have been able to buy some stamps depicting two classic, iconic paintings - the Madonna of Humility by Lippo di Dalmasio, and Madonna and Child by William Dyce.  The Madonna of Humility features on the 1st Class stamp and Madonna and Child on the 2nd Class. 

Canon Dr Christina Baxter, Principal of St John's College, Nottingham, and sponsor of the 2004 General Synod motion about Christian Christmas stamps, said: "I am delighted that the Royal Mail is producing Christmas stamps which recognise that people celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus.  I welcome stamps that carry images that are explicitly Christian, and hope that the Post Office will continue to produce Christian stamps each Christmas

“I strongly encourage all Christian people to ask for Christian-themed stamps this Christmas."

Julietta Edgar, Head of Special Stamps, Royal Mail, said: “Every year customers look forward to our Christmas stamps, which have been brightening up the festive season for more than 40 years

“This year we are delighted to offer a choice of stamps and the images will be seen on millions of letters and cards throughout the UK as well as on gifts sent across the globe.  This is the first time that both religious and secular stamps will be available to consumers simultaneously.”

 

Note

Dr Baxter’s motion read:

'That this Synod, noting that over 71% of the population of the United Kingdom declared themselves to be Christian in the 2001 Census, requests the Royal Mail to issue Christmas stamps with Christian themes every year.'

After debate (12 July 2004), the General Synod carried the motion unanimously.