Church leaders at St. Susanna Parish in Dedham, Massachusetts, will meet Monday after the archdiocese made a demand that they take down a controversial nativity display. On the display was a sign that read “ICE was here,” with Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus notably missing from the scene. A meeting regarding the display was originally scheduled for Sunday morning, but the parish council says they will now announce a decision on the display on Monday at 4 p.m., according to Rev. Steve Josoma.The archdiocese says the church did not request nor receive permission for the display and that the church’s norms prohibit the use of sacred objects for any purpose other than the devotion of God’s people.Parishioners we spoke to say the archdiocese is out of step with the congregation.”I’m very upset about it. And I’m also upset that our church doesn’t stand up for our immigrants in a stronger and more vocal and more active way,” said parishioner Beth Brinkman Cianci. “And I’m here to support Father Steve because he has the courage to do just that.”The archdiocese released a statement that read in part:”The people of God have the right to expect that, when they come to church, they will encounter genuine opportunities for prayer and Catholic worship—not divisive political messaging. The display should be removed, and the manger restored to its proper sacred purpose.”Some churchgoers headed into Sunday’s Mass are visitors, telling NewsCenter 5 that they decided to attend Sunday’s service because of the nativity sign.Avery McClain and Allexis Pillard came from Wisconsin to see the display and Diane Marrese brought her children. “Should let them know that everyone is welcome and support Father Steve,” Marrese said.”This is a community doing exactly what Jesus taught, exactly what Jesus taught. These are good people and this message is important.”Some disagreed with the display and felt the archdiocese’s ruling was law. “I’m not sure what the protocol is, but I think it’s wrong if the archbishop says it’s gotta go, it’s gotta go, that’s all,” said Steve McGowan.
Church leaders at St. Susanna Parish in Dedham, Massachusetts, will meet Monday after the archdiocese made a demand that they take down a controversial nativity display.
On the display was a sign that read “ICE was here,” with Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus notably missing from the scene.
A meeting regarding the display was originally scheduled for Sunday morning, but the parish council says they will now announce a decision on the display on Monday at 4 p.m., according to Rev. Steve Josoma.
The archdiocese says the church did not request nor receive permission for the display and that the church’s norms prohibit the use of sacred objects for any purpose other than the devotion of God’s people.
Parishioners we spoke to say the archdiocese is out of step with the congregation.
“I’m very upset about it. And I’m also upset that our church doesn’t stand up for our immigrants in a stronger and more vocal and more active way,” said parishioner Beth Brinkman Cianci. “And I’m here to support Father Steve because he has the courage to do just that.”
The archdiocese released a statement that read in part:
“The people of God have the right to expect that, when they come to church, they will encounter genuine opportunities for prayer and Catholic worship—not divisive political messaging. The display should be removed, and the manger restored to its proper sacred purpose.”
Some churchgoers headed into Sunday’s Mass are visitors, telling NewsCenter 5 that they decided to attend Sunday’s service because of the nativity sign.
Avery McClain and Allexis Pillard came from Wisconsin to see the display and Diane Marrese brought her children.
“Should let them know that everyone is welcome and support Father Steve,” Marrese said.
“This is a community doing exactly what Jesus taught, exactly what Jesus taught. These are good people and this message is important.”
Some disagreed with the display and felt the archdiocese’s ruling was law.
“I’m not sure what the protocol is, but I think it’s wrong if the archbishop says it’s gotta go, it’s gotta go, that’s all,” said Steve McGowan.
