Hallowe'en party?

[danhawk]

Is it inappropriate to invite mostly children of quite dedicated Christians to a Hallowe'en party?

My wife and I aren't religious at all - but both accepting of all and everyone. The area we've moved to has a lot of housing for those studying theism, and a lot of the families we'd be inviting have one parent training to be a priest.

My instinct is that it's fine, but with Hallowe'en only recently being more 'celebrated' (an excuse for a party, I guess) in the UK, I'd hate to offend new friends!

Could you ask some of your friends what they think? Views can vary among Christians. I know some evangelicals who have strong views on Halloween. I'm sure they wouldn't be offended at being invited but would definitely decline. I'm a Christian and used to let my kids go to Halloween parties (although it didn't seem appropriate to do our own). Our church organises an 'alternative to halloween' party around that date - partly so the kids don't miss out if they don't do halloween, partly just as an excuse for a party. So you could always just do a non-Halloween party if you were worried about it. Best to check with your friends as they might be fine with it.

Absolutely fine to invite them. I am Christian and we always do Halloween and are usually joined in trick or treating by our vicars grandchildren. We aren't going this year though as our church is having a light party and the kids wanted to go to that instead as it sounded good.
Some Christians do Halloween and view as it as a bit of fun and a good chance to socialise with neighbours. Others view it as sinister and don't do it (as do some people of other or no faiths - I know atheist parents who dont like the idea of it as they think it is intimidating).
I don't think you would offend anyone with an invite - they will either accept or decline but would be grateful you considered them.

We're Christians who don't do Hallowe'en, so wouldn't come but wouldn't be offended at being invited - would just try to find a way to decline courteously and suggest an alternative time to catch up instead.

I don’t do hallowe’en, but have Christian friends that do. I think it’s fine to invite but it may be helpful to say what you are planning on doing ie we are dressing up/playing games/communing with the devil/watching scary films etc.

communing with the devil

WTF??

There's a good chance they'll have some other celebration, and you'd feel snubbed anyway!
What about a bonfire/ fireworks party?