Predictably, the "Christmas Wars" over public holiday displays are beginning. In Ypsilanti Township, Michigan, officials have refused the request by resident, Jill Carr, to display a nativity scene in front of the Township Fire Hall. Carr has contacted the Thomas More Law Center to fight the refusal, and an attorney for the Township Board of Trustees says that the display is permissible only if the nativity scene is accompanied by non-religious holiday decorations. (Ann Arbor News, 11/24).
The Freedom From Religion Foundation has protested a decision by the Menominee, Michigan Parks and Recreation Committee to place a nativity scene in a park band shell, and allow non-Christians to add other holiday symbols to the display as well. (Winston-Salem Journal, 11/24).
Finally, in the village of Briarcliff Manor, New York, after litigation over its 2005 holiday display, this year the Village Board approved a non-religious display-- a tree with a star, a Hanukkah dreidel, and a banner reading: "The Village of Briarcliff Manor Extends Holiday Greetings and Wishes for Peace to All." Rev. Timothy Schenck, rector of All Saints Episcopal Church in Briarcliff Manor reacted: "if people are so passionate about this, put up a display in your yard, go to church, go to synagogue, go to your religious institution and celebrate. That's where the energy should be ... rather than publicly debating what symbols to put up." (NY Journal News, 11/25).
