Posted on 03/31/2017 8:05:16 AM PDT by RBW in PA
Park service invokes separation of church and state: The shining symbols on the Knob will stay muted unless NPS and Lions Club come to agreement.
MILFORD — The cross and star that shone for year over Milford, from high on the hill known as "The Knob," may have to go.
The Knob used to be private land. But in October 2015 it was transferred to Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area under the National Park Service (NPS), which comes under federal regulations. Displays of religious symbols on government property are not allowed, although special use permits can be granted.
Up to now, there have been no problems with the cross, which glows at Easter time, and the star, which lights up for Christmas.
The Milford Lions Club maintains the display, and has upheld the tradition of lighting up both the cross and the star for the past 86 years.
Heidi Watson-Held, who grew up in Milford and whose family has lived in here for five generations, started a petition on change.org. By March 29 it had 1,777 signatures.
“The most important issue is in 2015 and 2016 these things continued to go up," she said in a phone call. "Why do they deny it now?”
She said John Donahue, superintendent of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, told the Lions Club president, Jeff Phillips, that he didn’t have the authority to approve the request so had no choice but to deny it. The Lions will have to appeal to his superior.
“I’m not saying Mr. Donahue did anything wrong," said Watson-Held. "But the Lions Club was then scared that they would be denied the star too, and pulled the permit.”
Watson-Held said a dialogue is continuing with the NPS.
NPS Public Affairs Specialist Kathleen Sandt confirmed that the Lions pulled the permit application.
“The park received a special use permit application on March 3 from the Milford Lions Club to erect a lighted cross on the parcel of land known as Milford Knob," she wrote in an email. "On March 22, the Milford Lions Club voluntarily withdrew their special use permit application before any decision had been made by NPS as to whether approve or not approve the request.”
A cherished tradition Watson-Held and many supporters are outraged, saying the cross and star are cherished traditions in Milford.
Watson-Held said she respects the views of people who don’t like the display. She said she was not aware of anyone complaining to the NPS.
“This is a longstanding tradition," she said. "Our town is identified by this. I’m reading stories of people who look up to the beacon of light as they come to town from somewhere. I want to make people aware this is happening.”
Before the Milford Lions Club took over, Watson-Held wrote, “the electric for the star was provided by the Waterwheel at Metz's Icehouse on the Sawmill. Currently, the power for these symbols is paid for by the Lions through private means and is no expense to the NPS.”
Both were erected in 1930 by Marcel Van Lierde.
Watson-Held said there was a feeling the Lions Club needed help.
The park's responsibility Sandt explained that Milford Knob is now subject to National Park Service rules.
"It is now park property and a permit is required for such activities," she said. "There are existing federal regulations concerning religious services and all other like forms of conduct that involve the communication or expression of views and demonstrations.”
Sandt said the display of religious symbols on government property is not allowed because of the separation of state and religion, enshrined in the Constitution, although special use permits may be issued.
Sandt said special use permits that "authorize activities that benefit an individual, group or organization, rather than the public at large: and that require written authorization and management control in order to protect park resources and the public interest.”
"Separation of church and state" was a phrase used by Thomas Jefferson to explain the First Amendment to the Constitution, which reads: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..."
The clause against the establishment of a national religion was intended to erect a wall of separation between the government and religious institutions.
Watson-Held said Milford Mayor Sean Strub has agreed to mediate the situation between the park service and Lions Club. A meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 6, with Strub, Donahue, and Lions Club representation.
Watson-Held expressed hope the issue will be resolved peacefully, and that whatever the outcome, everyone in Milford understands what is happening.
Would the muslim moon symbol thingee be acceptable?
When little Johnny asks his teacher why there are holidays in the spring and winter, he is told they are to celebrate Spring and Winter.
Imagine someone trying to insert religious significance into the winter and spring festivals.
Outrageous! (sarc/off)
from the article
Sandt said the display of religious symbols on government property is not allowed because of the separation of state and religion, enshrined in the Constitution,
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Sorry Mr. Stupid, it is NOT “enshrined” in the Constitution.
Pull up a text of it on your computer, press F3, type in “separation of church and state” and hit Find.
0 results, imbecile.
Does that also apply to all the religious symbols strewn about many of our national parks, national monuments,or heritage sites that are from the first arrivers to this continent? Or are those okay?
This isn't areligious. This is paganism when Spring and Winter were gods or manifestations of gods or acts of gods (e.g. the story of Persephone).
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