november 3, 2005
Nativity Displays to Make Political and Religious Statement
The Christmas season is right around the corner and courts and retailers may soon find themselves neck-deep in the debate over the public display of Christianity. According to Christian Communication Network, one group plans to build nativity displays across America. The Truth Matters, under the direction of Dr. Charles Nestor, believes in giving public nativity displays their best defense by implementing a good offense.
The plan is a project called "Operation Nativity" and is promoting the goal of having Christians across the country set up nativity scenes on their own property.
Dr. Nestor says, "Some may object to such overt declarations of Christianity in these displays, but this is in part why this project is necessary. This is not only a religious freedom issue, it is a free speech issue.
"Thus far, the only opposition we have met has been zoning and signage ordinances being exploited by radical anti-Christian zealots. We expect a determined few to use any means available to eliminate the public display of the symbols of Christianity. We are encouraged to know that there is an abundance of attorneys willing and waiting to insure that the federally guaranteed free exercise of faith and the First Amendment are not squashed by the bigoted abuse of a city or local ordinance.
"We announced Operation Nativity just a week ago and already the project has caught fire because it is a simple, yet powerful idea. Part of the unexpectedly enthusiastic response is because as a nation we are growing tied of the crusade to get rid of the expressions of Jesus' birth from the Christmas season. Americans, even those who do not profess to be Christians, do not want Christmas reduced to a secular winter celebration.
"Operation Nativity is not a call to abandon the fight to have access to the public square for the purpose of celebrating the historic reason for the season. Since 1870 Christmas has been a federally endorsed holiday by law. Every effort should be taken to keep its true meaning in
view of all Americans."
Tell us what you think:
Message board -- Should public property, like city parks or office buildings, be used to display nativity scenes?
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