Texans Fire Back in Atheists' War on Christmas

The Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation is attacking Christmas nativity scenes across small-town America, but residents of Athens, Texas (Henderson County) say they're "drawing a line in the sand" and will not dismantle the privately-owned Christmas display, nor erect the atheists' equal-time anti-Christmas banner of non-belief.

"We'll remove it when hell freezes over. It's not going to happen."
-- Joe Hall, Henderson County Commissioner

"At this season of the winter solstice, may reason prevail. There are no Gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds."
-- Atheists' banner demanded to be next to nativity scenes

For background, read Gov. Perry Fights Obama's Pro-gay 'War on Religion'



-- From "Annual Fight Erupts Over Nativity Scene" by David Lee, Courthouse News Service 12/12/11

The nonprofit Freedom From Religion Foundation sent a letter last week to Henderson County Judge Richard Sanders, demanding that the display be removed as an unconstitutional endorsement of religion.

"I just don't understand it, to be honest with you," said Sanders. "I'm just confused about it."

Sanders told WFAA-TV that local residents have not complained about the display, which is not owned by the county. The nativity scene has been set up by volunteers with Keep Athens Beautiful for more than a decade.

In its letter, the foundation said it objects on behalf of an anonymous area resident.

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From "East Texas Pastors Organize Nativity Rally" By Melanie Torre, KLTV-7 12/9/11

The controversy surrounding an East Texas nativity scene is sparking debate all across the United States.

More than 70 East Texas pastors came together in support of the Henderson County Nativity Rally.

"This is not a rebel rally. This is a rally in which we unite believers in unity with one voice saying we're going to stand for the faith that we believe in," says First Baptist Church of Malakoff Senior Pastor Nathan Lorick.

Organizers say for one hour on December 17 Christians will gather in worship and prayer.

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From "Prineville Nativity Challenged Again" posted at KBND-AM (Oregon) 12/6/11

A national group is delving into [Oregon's] Prineville City records this week as part of a dispute over a Nativity Scene at the Prineville plaza. Wisconsin based "Freedom From Religion" staff attorney, Patrick Elliott says they received a complaint from a local citizen who is objecting to the display. He says some people are upset over it, but are afraid to speak out . . .

Last year the group challenged the Nativity Scene when it was in front of the courthouse; this year the scene is on property managed by the Parks District and rented out as a farmer's market much of the year. Prineville Mayor Betty Roppe says they rent the space on a first come first serve basis. And that private citizens are renting the space.

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From "Ellwood City [Penn.] nativity scene fight" by Talia Hagler, Reporter, WFMJ-TV21 12/5/11

A Wisconsin group called Freedom From Religion filed a complaint with the [Pennsylvania] borough on behalf of some local residents saying the nativity did not comply with federal law.

Mayor Anthony Court says, "We believe we're in compliance. We believe we have rights also."

The mayor says all religions are welcome to add to the holiday display.

If the group decides to sue the mayor says they'll do whatever they have to fight it.

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From "Group Angry About Ellwood City Nativity Scene Wants Non-Religious Banner Put Up" WPXI-TV11 Pittsburgh 12/7/11

The nativity scene and decorations have gone up for the past 50 years without any problems, but this year is different.

Now, the [atheist] group doesn't want the nativity scene taken down. It wants Ellwood City to add a banner that states the group's beliefs.

"No way on my watch is it going up. It's offensive," said Ellwood City Mayor Tony Court.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.



Also read Fighting Obama's War on Christianity