Posted on 12/18/2014 5:37:22 PM PST by Coleus
LINCOLN — Christmas carols and prayers — and no protests or obvious objections — marked possibly the first-ever Nativity scene at the State Capitol on Thursday. The small display, a cedar manger about 6 feet across and 4 feet high, was made possible by a Catholic-associated attorneys association that is seeking to place Nativity scenes in state capitols and other public places across the country.
"We want to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas," said Omaha attorney Christine Delgado, who heads the Omaha branch of the Thomas More Society. While Nebraska’s display hasn't been controversial so far, efforts to place Nativity scenes at other state capitols have inspired competing displays and even funny business.
The Michigan and Florida state capitols have displays from a satanic group. Florida’s Capitol also features a "Festivus" pole, a 6-foot-tall stack of empty Pabst Blue Ribbon cans inspired by the fictitious Festivus holiday celebrated on the TV show "Seinfeld."
Nebraska State Capitol Administrator Bob Ripley said Thursday that he has not fielded any requests for competing displays, but he added that some people have asked if other religions could erect displays.
"Believe me, if we allow a Christian religion to come in, we’d allow any other religion to come in," Ripley said. "Short of something in poor taste or illegal." Earlier this week, the Pew Research Center said its survey found that most Americans favor allowing religious displays such as Nativity scenes on government property. But Pew also reported that complaints over Nativity scenes in public places have erupted this year in Portsmouth, Virginia; Baxter County, Arkansas; and Cherokee County, Texas. Last year, controversy brewed over a Nativity scene on the courthouse lawn in Tipton, Iowa.
In Lincoln on Thursday, a group of children on violins, violas and cellos played Christmas carols as about 50 people sang along. The Catholic Bishop of Lincoln, the Rev. James Conley, also led the group in prayer. During the ceremony, one of the state’s best-known atheists, State Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha, walked by without stopping.
Nebraska’s is the ninth State Capitol to get a Nativity scene sponsored by the Thomas More Society, which is headquartered in Chicago, and the American Nativity Scene Committee. The groups have helped place 21 displays in public places across the country. Delgado said the Capitol display was "religious speech" that is protected by the U.S. Constitution. She said the group met all the criteria for erecting a display in the State Capitol, and was funded with private donations. State Auditor Mike Foley, who is Catholic, attended the event and said he was glad the Capitol now has a Nativity scene. "Only good can come from this," he said.
Gee, that’s just “so controversial”
Quick, MSM go out and find some atheist or Muslim who pretends to be “offended”
That’s nice. I’ll bet the parents of those little violinists are so proud. A very simple ceremony, as it should be.
If they are going to have a Festivus Pole, I demand a Festivus Hungarian also. Fair is fair!
Good to see you around, C.
The professional atheists, satanists, and homosexuals, not to mention career p*ssers and moaners, will weigh in soon with their law suit.
Bet the farm on it.
“The airing of grievances” - now there’s a ceremony that will appeal to everyone!
Good to see you around, C. >>
:-) thanks, same here.
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