Councilwoman Rescinds Resignation over 'Christmas' Word

A New Jersey councilwoman who quit after colleagues voted to add the word "Christmas" to the name of the town's tree-lighting ceremony reneged on her decision to resign.

When the Roselle Park Council approved changing "Tree Lighting Ceremony" to "Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony" in a 4-2 vote last week, Charlene Storey walked out of the meeting.

"I cannot in good conscience continue to be part of a council that is exclusionary or to work with a mayor who is such," Storey said in her letter of resignation.

Storey submitted the letter, saying the decision to add the word "Christmas" favored one religion and "cuts non-Christians out of the loop."

Over the weekend, Storey changed her mind, cancelling her resignation and agreeing to lead a new committee on diversity.