Brit Christian electrician wins battle to display cross in his van

London, April 22 (ANI): A Christian electrician in the UK has won his fight to display a cross in his van following a nationwide outcry.

The dramatic climbdown by Colin Atkinson's employers Wakefield District Housing came after senior church figures were backed by Hindu, Muslim and Sikh leaders in condemning them, reports the Daily Mail.

Former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey had described the 64-year-old grandfather's plight as 'scandalous' and British Housing and Planning Minister Grant Shapps said WDH's action was 'wrong'.

'I'm so glad. All that was needed was a little bit of compassion and understanding. Where there is a bit of common sense we can find a resolution,' Lord Carey said on Thursday night.

WDH caved in and agreed to let Atkinson display his cross in an effort to end the embarrassing row.

The U-turn came at a 'confidential and unminuted' meeting between Atkinson, his Unite union rep Terry Cuncliffe, WHD executive director of people Gillian Pickersgill and a senior manager at the organisation's headquarters in Castleford, West Yorkshire, on Wednesday.

During the hour-long meeting, WDH managers put a series of proposals to Atkinson - all of which would allow him publicly to display the cross.

Atkinson has agreed with managers not to reveal the details of the compromise agreement. But he had maintained all along his right to display the cross publicly was 'non-negotiable'.

Cuncliffe has supported him throughout his 18-month battle to keep his cross.tkinson is expected formally to agree to WDH's plan that will allow him to display his cross next week.

"I just want this all over so I can get back to work and provide for my wife and family. This is important. Christians across the country are being persecuted because of their faith. Christians across the country are being persecuted because of their faith. I did not ask for this fight but I have been forced to join it," he said.

"I have every right to manifest my faith. That is all I have done. I have not bashed anybody with my Bible. I simply want to be able to demonstrate my faith," he added.

Atkinson faced the sack after he refused to take the small palm cross off the dashboard of his company vehicle. WDH told him it was 'unacceptable' to display the 8in symbol of his Christian faith in the van for fear of upsetting 'diverse' tenants in the organisation's 31,000 homes. (ANI)