Fed. Judge Strips Cross from LA County Citizens

U.S. District Judge Christina Snyder sided with the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California by ruling that the elected supervisors of Los Angeles County violated the U.S. Constitution by authorizing an accurate depiction of the San Gabriel Mission for the county seal — the historic mission has a cross on top.

"The court failed to see that the board corrected the inaccurate depiction of the San Gabriel Mission on the seal with an architecturally accurate version that featured a small cross - which of course the mission has.  As any California fourth-grade student knows, the San Gabriel Mission is an important icon to the region and the birthplace of Los Angeles County."
-- Michael Antonovich, County Supervisor

For background, read Cross Restored to LA County Seal Despite Atheists' Threats as well as Atheists Inundated by Jesus' Cross Symbols in California

Also read Atheists Strip Catholic Univ. with Cross from Ohio Town Identity

And read City Denies Cross, Mississippi Law Forbids Church's Plan

Click headlines below to read previous articles:

Atheists Strip Memorial Crosses From Arkansas Football

Atheists Defeat Veterans Memorial in North Carolina

Atheists Want Marine Memorial Demolished at Pendleton

Atheists Want WWI Memorial Cross Demolished in Rhode Island

However, Federal Judge Favors D.C. Cross vs. Atheists, Muslims

-- From "Judge Strikes Down Effort To Restore Cross To LA County Seal" posted at CBS News Los Angeles 4/7/16

The ACLU alleged a Jan. 7, 2014, decision by the Board to restore the cross was unconstitutional because it “favors the Christian religion over all other religions and divides county residents by religion and by adherence or non-adherence to religious beliefs”, according to the complaint.

The Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 in 2014 in favor of a motion introduced by Supervisors Mike Antonovich and Don Knabe to add a cross to the top of the San Gabriel Mission on the county emblem, which is displayed on buildings, vehicles and official communications.

At the time, Antonovich and Knabe argued that restoring the cross is vital to the historical accuracy of the seal.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "LA County Must Keep Cross Off County Seal" by Bianca Bruno, Courthouse News Service 4/8/16

In her summary of the history of the case and the seal's controversy over the years, Snyder noted the back-and-forth that took place at several public meetings in 2004 after the ACLU threatened to file suit against the county.

The board voted 3-2 in favor of adopting the revised seal in 2004 [to remove the cross]. Changing the seal cost the county $700,000 to replace the image on county-owned and leased facilities and other property.

Antonovich and Supervisor Don Knabe proposed adding a cross to the 2004 redesign in 2009, when the Roman Catholic Church placed a cross on the Mission San Gabriel Arcangel 11 miles east of downtown LA. The two supervisors introduced a motion to add a cross to the depiction of the mission on the seal in December 2013.

In her order, Snyder found "that an 'informed and reasonable' observer who is 'familiar with the history of the government practice at issue' would perceive the county's addition of the cross to the 2004 seal to constitute approval or endorsement of a particular set of religious beliefs."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Christian cross has no place on L.A. County seal, judge rules" by Abby Sewell, Los Angeles Times 4/7/16

. . . When the seal was redesigned in 2004, there was no cross on top of the mission, as it had gone missing during earthquake retrofitting. The cross was later restored atop the building.

In a 55-page ruling released Thursday, U.S. District Judge Christina A. Snyder wrote that the addition of the cross ”carries with it an aura of prestige, authority, and approval. By singling out the cross for addition to the seal, the county necessarily lends its prestige and approval to a depiction of one faith’s sectarian imagery.

“The county also provides a platform for broadcasting that imagery on county buildings, vehicles, flags, and stationary.… Permitting such a change and the associated expenditure of public funds places the county’s power, prestige, and purse behind a single religion, Christianity, without making any such benefit available on an equal basis to those with secular objectives or alternative sectarian views."

But the two county supervisors who led the push to reinstate the cross criticized the judge’s decision, pointing out that other California municipalities – including Ventura and San Benito counties and the city of San Luis Obispo -- depict missions with crosses on their seal.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Fed. Judge Favors D.C. Cross vs. Atheists, Muslims

The U.S. District Court in Maryland ruled this week against the American Humanist Association (AHA) atheists and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) who demanded that the 1925 40-foot Blandensburg Cross, a World War I Veterans Memorial near Washington, D.C., be removed because it is owned and maintained by the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission.

“It is hereby declared by the ownership, maintenance and display of the monument by the commission do not violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.”
-- U.S. District Judge Deborah Chasanow

For background, read the myriad atheist lawsuits against the Christian cross across America.

Click headlines below to read previous articles:

Cross Removed from Wichita State Chapel: Muslim Conversion

Court Nixes Police Favoring Muslims vs. Christians

Court Orders Christian Cop to Mosque, Accept Koran

Satanists Join Muslims in Minnesota & California

-- From "Judge rejects bid to remove WWI 'Peace Cross'" posted at WUSA-TV9 (Washington, D.C.) 12/1/15

The American Humanist Association wanted it removed or altered on the grounds that it violates the First Amendment ban on the government establishing a religion.

The judge ruled that while the cross is undeniably a religious symbol, the monument does not endorse a religion.

The memorial is known as the Peace Cross and can be seen at the intersection of Route 450 and Route 1.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Judge: Forty-foot cross is not a government endorsement of religion" by Matt Zapotosky, Washington Post 12/1/15

In a 36-page ruling, U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow ruled unequivocally against the American Humanist Association’s bid to have the monument torn down or modified on the grounds that it violates the First Amendment ban on the government’s establishment of religion.

“The Monument and Veterans Memorial Park are secular war memorials that host numerous commemorative events,” Chasanow wrote. She added that the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission’s ownership and upkeep of the cross was “driven by a secular purpose, maintaining and displaying a ‘historically significant war memorial’ that has honored fallen soldiers for almost a century.”

In her ruling, Chasanow noted that the monument sits on a base that bears a plaque listing the names of 49 men from Prince George’s County who died in World War I and that the “vast majority” of events held at the site were observances of Memorial Day or Veterans Day. She also noted that after the case was filed, the National Park Service placed the monument on the National Register of Historic Places.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Court finds cross memorial constitutional" by Jonathan Pitts, The Baltimore Sun 11/30/15

The ruling was a victory for the co-defendants in the case, the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, the government entity that owns and controls the land on which the cross stands, and the American Legion, which erected it 90 years ago and continues to use the site for Memorial Day and Veterans Day celebrations.

It marked a setback for the American Humanist Association, a Washington-based group that describes its mission as bringing about "a progressive society where being 'good without a god' is an accepted way of life" and strengthening secular influence in government.

"We're still reviewing and evaluating the decision and our options," she said, including the possibility of taking the case to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Roger Byron, senior counsel for the Liberty Institute, the Plano, Texas-based law firm representing the American Legion in the case, said he was encouraged by a ruling that "faithfully applies the law [and] helps assure both the courts and other government entities that might [want to] use religious texts or imagery that these are lawful under the First Amendment."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Bladensburg Cross Can Stay, Judge Rules" by Jacob Gershman, Wall Street Journal 12/2/15

The Bladensburg veterans memorial, erected in 1925 by the American Legion, is one of a number of memorial crosses under legal fire by civil-liberty groups who want them off government land.

To support its claim, the [atheist] group pointed to religious language in a fundraising pledge sheet circulated to donors who financed its construction nearly a century ago. “We, the citizens of Maryland, trusting in God, the supreme ruler of the universe, pledge faith in our brothers,” it said.

In a 36-page opinion handed down this week, U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow concluded that the religious associations didn’t amount to a constitutional violation:

The Monument’s secular commemorative purpose is reinforced by the plaque, the American Legion’s seal, and the words “valor,” “endurance,” “courage,” and “devotion” written on it. None of these features contains any religious reference. In short, the record amply demonstrates that the construction and maintenance of the Monument “was not an attempt to set the imprimatur of the state on a particular creed. Rather, those who erected the cross intended simply to honor our Nation’s fallen soldiers.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "WWI Cross Upheld by Federal Court" by Joseph Williams, American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) 12/1/15

The lawsuit actually alleges that because the war memorial is located on what they claim is public property near a busy intersection that at least one of the plaintiffs passes “about once a month” driving around town or on his bike, it “associates a Christian religious symbol with the State and gives the impression that the State supports and approves of Christianity, as opposed to other religions, and that the state may even prefer Christians and Christianity over other religions.”  One of the plaintiffs actually says that he is “personally offended and feels excluded” because the cross honors our nation’s veterans.

In fact, the lawsuit states that he was “shocked when he first saw the cross and it upsets him whenever he passes it.”

Each of the plaintiffs complains of “unwelcome contact” with the WWI memorial cross and tell the court they “do[] not wish to encounter the Bladensburg Cross in the future.”  In other words, they want it torn down.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Judge torpedoes atheists' attack on veterans memorial" by Bob Unruh, World Net Daily 11/30/15

Noel Francisco, lead counsel for the American Legion and chair of Jones Day’s Government Regulation Practice, says, “We are grateful that the court ruled in our favor and upheld the memorial’s lawfulness under the First Amendment. This memorial has stood for almost 100 years in honor of the fallen and should be allowed to stand for 100 more.”

[The memorial] was challenged by the American Humanist Association, which was joined by the Council on American-Islamic Relations, as a violation since the site now is owned and maintained by the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission.

The ownership of the site had changed hands several times, and, the court found, it wasn’t even yet clear who owned it during certain times. But she said that didn’t matter.

The judge applied the U.S. Supreme Court’s Lemon test to the situation . . .

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read D.C. Muslim Call to Prayer from National Cathedral

As Al Qaeda Proclaims War on the Christian Cross — U.S. Schools Force Islamic Terror Singing and Posters, while President Obama Compares Christians to Islamic Terrorists

Atheists Defeat Veterans Memorial in N. Carolina

The city council of King, North Carolina voted to remove a privately-funded sculpture of a soldier kneeling at a cross and a Christian flag from King Central Park rather than fight the costly lawsuit against Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

“I feel this city has been sabotaged and bullied by folks who don’t believe in what this community stands for . . . we have been pressured by insurance companies and attorneys who have never been to King. They don’t know what we are about and what this community stands for.”
-- Wesley Carter, City Councilman

For background, read Atheists Force Christian Flag Out, King Citizens Respond

Click headlines below to read previous articles:

Atheists Want WWI Memorial Cross Demolished in Rhode Island

Atheists Want Marine Memorial Demolished at Pendleton

Atheists Sue to Remove Christ from 9/11 Memorial

Federal Appeals Court Rules Memorial Cross Unconstitutional

Jesus Banned from Sterling, Colorado Cemetery

Also read President Obama Opposes Prayer for Soldiers in Battle

-- From "North Carolina town agrees to remove sculpture of soldier with cross" by David Ng, Los Angeles Times 1/13/15

Documents show that in settling the case, King agreed to remove the sculpture. In addition, the town's insurer will pay $500,000 to the Americans United for Separation of Church and State to cover legal fees and costs. A nominal $1 in damages will also be paid to the plaintiff.

King has denied it violated laws regarding the separation of church and state in the U.S. Constitution and the North Carolina Constitution.

A news release from the city said the City Council preferred not to settle the case but nonetheless approved the settlement on Jan. 6. The city, population 6,906, said that it had already incurred legal costs in excess of $50,000 to defend the case, and that litigation costs were expected to reach $2 million without any guarantee of a favorable verdict.

As part of the settlement, King has also agreed not to fly a Christian flag at the memorial park. The Christian flag typically features a cross in its upper-left corner and is intended to represent various Christian faiths.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "King settles flag lawsuit; Christian flag, statue to be removed" by Meghann Evans, Winston-Salem Journal 1/7/15

The King City Council on Tuesday voted 3-2 to approve a settlement agreement in the lawsuit, Steven Hewett v. the City of King.

The council voted in King City Hall before a mostly filled room of about 60 people. While the crowd never got out of hand, many people shook their heads in frustration as the board voted to settle. A few people interjected, saying such things, “What else are you going to give up next?”

Council members Charles Allen and Mayor Pro Tempore Dillard Burnette voted in favor of settling, while Brian Carico and Wesley Carter voted against it.

Mayor Jack Warren broke the tie, voting in favor.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "King settles - Citizens ask council to fight for flag" by Nicholas Elmes, The Stokes News (Walnut Cove, NC) 1/6/15

“I fully believe in the right of flying our flag,” said Danny Newsome. “Continue to fight for them to give us the right to fly the flag.”

Jack Westmoreland, a veteran who served in Beirut, said . . . “This country was founded on the freedom or religion and the freedom of speech. I ask that you give me my right to freedom of religion.”

David Keaton, a long time King resident, said “ . . . don’t take mine away from me. God all mighty has blessed King and we do not need to turn our back on him. I encourage you to do everything in your power to keep that flag flying one way or the other. Just do what is right.”

The two council members voting against the settlement agreed that settling made good financial sense for the city, but said they could not vote “yes” due to their faith.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Feds Fail to Ban Jesus from Memorial Day

And read Atheists Inundated by Jesus' Cross Symbols in California

Atheists Strip Memorial Crosses From Ark. Football

The Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) is cheering the work of a local attorney who prompted the Arkansas State University to review the legality of Christian cross decals on the football team's helmets in honor of two recently deceased students.  In response, the University immediately invoked a ban of anything appearing to be Christian from the helmets.

". . . we have received a complaint that use of the cross violates the Constitutional prohibition against separation of church and state."
-- Athletic Director Terry Mohajir

"Persons viewing the helmets will, and have, seen the symbol as a cross and interpreted that symbol as an endorsement of the Christian religion. This violates the legal prohibition of endorsing religion."
-- Lucinda McDaniel, Arkansas State University Counsel

“It’s time that we as Christians stand up and say we’re tired of being pushed around. We’re tired of having to bow down to everyone else’s rights. What happened to our rights? The last time I checked it said freedom of religion – not freedom from religion.”
-- Barry Weyer, Sr. (father of the deceased)

For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:

Atheists Force Bible Bans at Colleges Across America

University Says Student's Cross Necklace Offends Freshmen

Atheists Threaten Mississippi School for Acting Christian

Oklahoma School Assures Wisconsin Atheists: No Praying Coaches Here

South Carolina School Bans Jesus from Prayers after Atheists Threaten

Atheists Lament They're Short of Lawyers to Sue ALL Christians

In response, Thousands Join for Prayer vs. Atheists at Florida Football Game and ditto in Georgia and Elsewhere

Battles against the Christian cross are frequent, and it often backfires: Atheists Inundated by Jesus' Cross Symbols in California

UPDATE 9/18/14: University reverses decision, allows crosses on helmets



-- From "College football team removes cross from helmets after complaint" by CNN Wire 9/12/14

. . . Mohajir said the decision to place the cross with the letters M.O. and B.W. came from the players and coaches. Player Markel Owens was murdered and equipment manager Barry Weyer, Jr. died in a car accident after last season.

The group Freedom From Religion led the fight to remove the crosses, saying it was an inappropriate way to honor Weyer and Owens.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.



From "Arkansas State removes Christian symbol from football helmets" by Dan Wolken, USA TODAY Sports 9/10/14

According to documents provided to USA TODAY Sports by Arkansas State, the inquiry did not initiate with FFRF but rather Jonesboro, Ark., attorney Louis Nisenbaum. He sent an e-mail to University Counsel Lucinda McDaniel on the afternoon Saturday, Sept. 6, pointing out that he noticed the crosses while watching Arkansas State's game at Tennessee earlier that day.

"That is a clear violation of the Establishment Clause as a state endorsement of the Christian religion," Nisenbaum wrote. "Please advise whether you agree and whether ASU will continue this practice."

On Monday, McDaniel wrote an e-mail to Mohajir saying she found no specific legal cases that addressed crosses on football helmets but recommended that the bottom of the cross could be cut off so that the symbol was a plus sign.

Athletics director Terry Mohajir said he wanted to fight the decision . . . [but] he had little choice but to follow advice from the university's legal counsel to remove or modify the symbol.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Football team forced to remove Christian crosses from helmets" By Todd Starnes, FoxNews.com 9/11/14

Liberty Institute attorney Hiram Sasser told me he would be more than honored to represent the football team in a lawsuit against the university.

Sasser said the students are well within their rights to wear a cross decal on their helmets and accused the university of breaking the law.

“It is unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination to force the players to remove or alter the cross on their helmets that they chose themselves simply because the cross is religious,” Sasser said.

“The university and others want football players to be positive role models in the community, but as soon as the players promote a positive message honoring their former teammates – the university discriminates against them in a blatant violation of the Constitution.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Football players targeted for 'memorial crosses' on helmets" by Bob Unruh, World Net Daily 9/11/14

“If the university remains recalcitrant in its violation of the players rights, Liberty Counsel stands ready to advocate in federal court on behalf of individual team members … to vindicate their constitutional rights,” a letter from Richard L. Mast of Liberty Counsel told the school Thursday.

“Instead of informing Mr. Nisenbaum that it was inappropriate for the university to take a position on private student expression, and that it was likewise inappropriate for the university to order private student expression to be suppressed, administration . . . [harassed] these young people as they mourn the deaths of their teammates.”

“I am saddened that the university did not stand up for their rights. These young people have done nothing wrong! They have as much right to communicate their ideas–or in this case, their grief–as the attorney who somehow feels offended by the small vinyl crosses they are wearing on their helmets.”

The letter to the school notes that the U.S. Supreme Court has affirmed the rights of students to express themselves.

To read more legal arguments from the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read New Atheist TV Network — Aren't They All Already?

And read President Obama Provokes Second 'In God We Trust' Movement

Atheists Inundated by Jesus' Cross Symbols: Calif.

Although American Humanist Association lawyers often succeed in forced dismantlement of Christian memorials, citizens of Lake Elsinore, California appear determined to counter every atheist success with a multitude of additional Christian crosses.

For background, read Cross Restored to LA County, Calif. Seal Despite Atheists

In addition, read of many local governments restoring God and faith to public institutions, and read how Americans nationwide are rebelling against atheists' attempts to dechristianize the country.

Also read about the humanists' attacks in their war on Christianity.
.


-- From "Rights group demands cross removal" by Michael J. Williams, The Press-Enterprise (Riverside, CA) 3/5/14

In May 2012, a vehicle struck and killed 19-year-old Anthony Devaney as he crossed Lake Street near Interstate-15 in Lake Elsinore.

Later that year, AnnMarie Devaney planted a cross near the site in memory of her late son.

The American Humanist Association -- which successfully fought Lake Elsinore’s plan for a veterans monument depicting a soldier kneeling before a grave with multiple images of crosses and Stars of David -- contends in a letter dated Tuesday, March 4, that the placement of the memorial cross on city property is unconstitutional because it violates the separation of church and state.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Controversial roadside cross removed, but more appear" by Michael J. Williams, The Press-Enterprise (Riverside, CA) 3/6/14

Riverside resident Emily Johnson and her father, Doug Johnson, said they were so disturbed upon hearing that AnnMarie Devaney was being forced to take down the symbol honoring her late son, they crafted their own plywood crosses and planted them along Lake Street next to the site where the Devaney tribute once stood.

They were among a handful who showed up Thursday, March 6, as the Devaneys removed the memorial, which included a 5-foot-tall cross. Devaney, who frequently fought off tears during the gathering, called the show of support “awesome.”

A memorial plaque and tree honoring Anthony is being dedicated during a ceremony scheduled for 3:30 p.m., Saturday, March 22, at McVicker Canyon Park.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read the myriad actions of atheists across America who want to strip the Christian cross from sight.

Cross Restored to LA County Seal Despite Atheists

Ten years after the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) stripped the Christian cross from the official symbol of Los Angeles County, Board supervisors voted to, once again, recognize that the origin of the county and the "city of angels" is rooted in the Christian Mission of San Gabriel.

"Our mountain ranges, our valleys, our hills, all of these things are named after Catholic saints.  I'm not a Catholic myself. My wife is Jewish. But I want to see this historically accurate."
-- John Newcombe, resident historian and filmmaker

UPDATE 4/9/16: Federal Judge Strips Cross from Los Angeles County

For background, read of many local governments restoring God and faith to public institutions, and read how Americans nationwide are rebelling against atheists' attempts to dechristianize the country.

Also read the myriad actions across America to strip the Christian cross from sight.



-- From "LA County to restore cross to official seal" by The Associated Press 1/7/14

County supervisors voted 3-2 on Tuesday to put a cross atop the seal's depiction of the historic San Gabriel Mission.

The original seal had a cross over the Hollywood Bowl but it was removed when the seal was redesigned in 2004 after the ACLU of Southern California threatened legal action.

. . . the ACLU says putting the religious symbol on the seal is divisive and probably unconstitutional.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Supervisors vote to restore religious cross to L.A. County seal" by Abby Sewell and Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times 1/7/14

The proposal to change the seal, which appears on flags, vehicles and written communications with residents, was advanced by board members Michael D. Antonovich and Don Knabe and picked up a required third vote from Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas.

The cross will be added to a small depiction of the San Gabriel Mission now in the seal. Supporters of the change called it a matter of historical and architectural accuracy; critics called it a thinly veiled effort to get a Christian symbol back in the county logo.

From 1957 to 2004, the county seal featured a cross floating above a rendering of the Hollywood Bowl. The board voted 3 to 2 to remove the cross from the seal in 2004 rather than face a lawsuit being threatened by the American Civil Liberties Union. But then the county had to defend itself in a lawsuit filed by a county employee who opposed removing the cross. After three years, the county prevailed when the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear the case.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "3-2 Vote Restores Tiny Cross to County Seal" posted at SCVNews.com 1/7/14

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 Tuesday to place a litte cross atop the depiction of the San Gabriel Mission on the county seal.

Until 2004, the county seal depicted the Roman goddess Pomona (representing agriculture), the Spanish galleon San Salvador, a tuna, a cow, the Hollywood Bowl, an oil well, two stars representing the County’s motion picture and television industries and a cross.

The post-2004 seal replaced Pomona with a Native American woman and added a depiction of the San Gabriel Mission, but without a cross on the roof.

To see the "before and after" seals, and to read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Statement from Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich"

To accurately reflect the role of the San Gabriel Mission in the historical and cultural development of Los Angeles County, today’s action corrects the current rendering of the mission on the county seal which is artistically and architecturally inaccurate. The history of Los Angeles County began with the founding of the San Gabriel Mission by Father Junipero Serra in September, 1771.  Also known as the ‘Pride of the California Missions,’ its doors opened directly to the El Camino Real which connected all of California’s great missions, pueblos and presidios.

At the time that the seal was redesigned in 2004, the cross had been missing from the top of the Mission since 1989, when it was taken down to retrofit the structure after damage from the Whittier Narrows earthquake.   The cross was subsequently returned to the top of the mission in 2009.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Satan on Throne at Oklahoma Capitol with ACLU Help as well as Obama's NASA Ignores God's Creation: Apollo 8 1968

'God Signs' Forbidden in Yards by Florida City

Months after First Baptist Church of Bartow, Florida distributed 300 little 4th of July yard signs showing an American flag, a cross and the words "God Bless America," the city has demanded that citizens remove the "temporary signs" from their own property.  As complaints of totalitarian government mount, the city has retracted the threatened fines against property owners, and city commissioners are now bracing for further outcry at their regular public meeting tomorrow as more residents have begun to display the signs as an act of defiance.

"There's nothing in the [sign] ordinance that defines how long you can keep a sign up before or after a holiday."
-- Bartow Mayor James Clements (who placed the sign in his front yard Friday)

For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:

South Carolina County Forbids Biblical Signage, but Not Political Signage

New Hampshire Town Allows 'Signs for Jesus' after Lawsuit

Mississippi City Forbids Cross on Church Property

Vermont Resident Disturbed by Cross on Neighbor's Property

Pennsylvania Atheists Sue to Remove Ten Commandments from Church Land

Jesus Talk & Prayer Banned at Government Senior Housing

Florida City Finds Family Guilty of Home Bible Studies

Phoenix Christian Jailed for Home Worship Gatherings

-- From "No fines for 'holiday decorations,' city says" posted at WTVT-TV13 (Tampa, FL) 10/4/13

"It is clear that some recipients of the notices [to remove their signs] have interpreted them as an indication that their message of 'God Bless America' is in violation of city code. This interpretation is not the case or the intent of the city. Instead, the issue is and remains the sign type – not the message," City Manager George Long stated in a Friday evening press release.

"Code enforcement officers regarded these signs displaying the 'God Bless America' message as holiday decorations. After the July Fourth holiday, most were removed. However, three months after the holiday, code enforcement determined that display of these signs had gone well beyond what could be considered 'holiday decorations' relating to the Fourth of July, and that their continued display violated the code."

"These notices are not citations, and therefore, do not carry any fine or penalty. In fact, Bartow code enforcement officers are not empowered to impose such fines or penalties," Long insisted.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "'God Bless America' Signs vs. City Rules: Bartow Officials Feel Wrath of City Residents" by Suzie Schottelkotte, The Ledger (Lakeland, FL) 10/4/13

Word of the [code violation notice] door hangers exploded on Bartow's social media Friday, and dozens of residents have pledged to confront the City Commission about the issue at its meeting Monday.

"We've been inundated with calls today [requesting signs]," the Rev. Ron Burks, pastor of [First Baptist Church], said Friday. "I'm heading out now to pick up another 200 signs."

"I like the sign. It expresses how I feel and what I believe," [resident Olivia Hazell] said. "There are a lot of other things in the city that they could be focusing on besides these little signs."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Bartow bans ‘God Bless America’ signs" by Joni B. Hannigan, Managing Editor, Florida Baptist Witness 10/5/13

[Marvin] Pittman, president of the Florida Baptist State Board of Missions and a retired member of law enforcement who served for 42 years, said the ordinance “probably wouldn’t stand judicial muster.”

As the ordinance is written, Pittman said it is “a very vague and very poorly worded ordinance.”

Although people being told to remove yard signs from their lawns may be “a little thing,” Pittman said he believes the “God Bless America” signs are being singled out for special attention—and that threatening to fine individuals if they don’t remove them can be compared to a violation of their fourth amendment rights by suggesting involuntary seizure.

“It’s a continuation of the erosion of our right of expression as Christians and it’s an erosion of our constitutional rights of free expression,” Pittman said.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

The root issue is American Religious Liberty vs. Anti-Christian Totalitarianism

City Denies Cross, Miss. Law Forbids Church's Plan

The First Baptist Church of Brandon, Mississippi wants to allow the non-profit Crosses Across America (CAA) to build a $100,000 cross 110 feet tall on its property so it can be seen from 92,000 cars per day on I-20, but the city has denied the permit by blaming state law -- a law the city proposes to violate.

“It wouldn’t be built on city property, wouldn’t cost the city or its citizens a cent; yet, it is denied.”
-- Doris Alexander, member of First Baptist Church

For background, read Neighbor Disturbed by Cross on the Hill, Complains to State and also read Town Allows 'Signs for Jesus' after Lawsuit as well as Supreme Court Says No Crosses - Does that mean Arlington Also?

-- From "Planning panel rejects 110-foot cross in Brandon" by The Associated Press 9/4/13

Mayor Butch Lee said he objects to the cross because it is considered an auxiliary structure, limited by state law to a height of 20 feet.

First Baptist Pastor Scott Thomas said the city has offered to allow a 50-foot cross.

The Board of Alderman will vote on the proposal on Sept. 16.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Brandon planning board rejects 110-foot cross" by Terricha Bradley-Phillips, The Clarion-Ledger (Jackson, MS) 9/4/13

The Rev. Scott Thomas, pastor of First Baptist, said the Federal Aviation Administration and the Mississippi Department of Transportation already had signed off on the plan. The church, he said, has been working almost two years with CAA, which has more than 2,000 clusters of crosses in 29 states and two foreign countries.

Thomas said some commissioners said they believe in the purpose of the cross but felt it should be smaller in height.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Mississippi Town Objects to Church’s Giant Cross" by Todd Starnes, FoxNews.com 9/4/13

[Rev. Thomas] said the “Cross at Brandon” would also be used for multi-denominational gatherings, choral performances and outdoor weddings.

He said he suspects there’s more to their objections than just the size of the cross.

“They asked other questions that indicate to me that there’s something else that concerns them,” he said. “They asked, ‘what if the Muslims, the Buddhists want to build a sign?’”

But Mayor Lee said the planning commission’s decision has nothing to do with Muslims or non-Christians.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Univ.: Student's Cross Necklace Offends Freshmen

Click here for Foxnews interview

Junior Audrey Jarvis was told that she must remove her Catholic cross jewelry when she's working orientation events for prospective students at Sonoma State University in northern California because they may be concerned that there are Christians attending.  After her First Amendment rights were explained by her lawyer, university officials agreed to apologize.

For background, read University Strips Crosses from Students' Chests and also read University of North Carolina On Trial for Anti-Christian Bias as well as Buffalo NY Univ. Charges Pro-life Students Extra $

In addition, read Obama Administration Muzzles College Students' Moral Speech

-- From "Sonoma State University apologizes for ordering student to remove cross necklace" by Jeremy Hay, Santa Rosa Press Democrat 7/3/13

Jarvis’ attorney, Hiram Sasser, said the San Diego native, who is Catholic, was “told” to remove the necklace because it might offend people and make incoming students feel unwelcome. That was a clear violation of laws governing religious freedoms.

“It would be the same whether it was a Christian cross or a hijab or a yarmulke,” said Sasser, director of litigation for the Liberty Institute in Plano, Texas.

“It was a stupid request and uncalled for and unsubstantiated and the person who did it has admitted all that,” SSU President Ruben Armiñana said Wednesday.

No decisions have been made regarding any disciplinary action.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "University Tells Student to Remove Cross Necklace" by Todd Starnes, Foxnews.com 7/2/13

Sasser said the supervisor told her that the chancellor had a policy against wearing religious items and further explained “that she could not wear her cross necklace because it might offend others, it might make incoming students feel unwelcome, or it might cause incoming students to feel that ASP was not an organization they should join.”

“I was offended because I believe as a Christian woman it is my prerogative to display my faith any way I like so long as it is not harming anyone else,” [Jarvis] said. “I was very hurt and felt as if the university’s mission statement – which includes tolerance and inclusivity to all – was violated.”

On a second encounter, her supervisor told her she should hide the cross under her shirt or remove it.

At that point, Jarvis became so upset she left her student worker job early.

Jarvis said it’s time for people of faith to take a stand.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read the myriad cases of colleges and universities discriminating against Christian students.

Atheists Sue to Bring Goofy Jesus Down in Montana

The Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation is considering an appeal of the decision of U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen to allow the "goofy statue of Jesus Christ," placed by the Knights of Columbus in the 1950s, to remain on Big Mountain at the Whitefish Mountain Resort where He overlooks Whitefish Lake and the Flathead Valley in Whitefish, Montana.

For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:

Atheists Sue to Remove Christ from 9/11 Memorial

Atheists Want Marine Memorial Demolished at Pendleton

Atheists Want WWI Memorial Cross Demolished in Rhode Island

Lone Atheist Removes Cross from Catholic Athletes

University Strips Crosses from Students' Chests

Atheists Knock Christmas Cross Off Illinois Water Tower

Supreme Court Says No Crosses - Does that mean Arlington Also?

-- From "Judge: Jesus statue can stay on Montana mountain" by The Associated Press 6/28/13

The judge disagreed with a Wisconsin-based group of atheists and agnostics that argued the Forest Service was unconstitutionally sanctioning the statue. Its religious nature has been made clear in special-use permit applications since the 1950s, the Freedom From Religion Foundation had argued.

The Forest Service first indicated in 2011 that it would reject a new permit for the statue, which occupies a 25-by-25 foot patch of land at Whitefish Mountain Resort. But the agency reversed itself in 2012 amid public outcry.

Christensen said that the statue does not convey to a reasonable informed observer that the government, rather than a private party, endorses Christianity over any other faith or the absence of faith. The new federal judge, appointed by President Barack Obama in 2011, said the statue is one of the last remaining remnants of the original Big Mountain Ski Resort, and some locals say it reflects the transition from old timber town to tourist hotspot.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Jesus statue can stay on Montana mountain, federal judge decides" by Matt Pearce, Los Angeles Times 6/29/13

In 2011, the Freedom From Religion Foundation — a Madison, Wis.-based group of atheists, agnostics and skeptics — objected to having a religious statue on federal land. That prompted the Forest Service to decide the statue should go, only to quickly reverse course after falling under criticism [by local residents and the Knights]. Freedom From Religion then sued the government.

U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen, who was appointed to his bench by President Barack Obama in 2011, granted the Knights of Columbus permission for a 10-year permit to stay on the site. Christensen ruled that the ski Jesus has been a little too goofy to be sacred, as the suers had claimed.

"The statue's secular and irreverent uses far outweigh the few religious uses it has served. The statue is most frequently used as a meeting point for skiers or hikers and a site for photo opportunities, rather than a solemn place for religious reflection," the judge wrote in the ruling. "Typical observers of the statue are more interested in giving it a high-five or adorning it in ski gear than sitting before it in prayer."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Judge says Big Mountain Jesus can stay" by Daily Inter Lake (NW Montana) 6/27/13

“Leasing public land within a private ski resort to a private organization that maintains a statue of Jesus does not violate the establishment clause,” Christensen ruled, referring to the First Amendment’s assurance that the state shall not establish a religion.

Charlie Harball, the Kalispell attorney representing the Knights of Columbus locally, praised Christensen’s ruling. “I think it is a very well written ruling. He applied the law in a very thoughtful way. If it is appealed, it will go to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. We feel very comfortable that Judge Christensen’s ruling will withstand the scrutiny of the court of appeals.”

According to Flathead National Forest Supervisor Chip Weber, "I am pleased that the court validated the re-issuance of this special-use permit. It is my position that the statue has been a long-standing object in the community since 1955.  It is important to the community for its historical heritage in association with the early development of the ski area on Big Mountain.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

UPDATE 8/31/15: From "'Big Mountain Jesus' gets OK from 9th Circuit Court of Appeals" by Vince Devlin, Helena Independent Record

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday ruled that a 12-foot statue of Jesus at Whitefish Mountain Resort “did not sprout from the minds of (government) officials and was not funded from (the government’s) coffers.”

The Ninth Circuit upheld a 2013 decision by U.S. District Court Judge Dana Christensen, who dismissed a lawsuit by the Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation objecting to the statue.

“Thank goodness for common sense,” said Eric Baxter, senior counsel of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, who argued on behalf of the statue that has stood on a mountain at the ski resort for 61 years. “Today’s decision rejects the idea that history and the First Amendment ought to be enemies.”

Judges Harry Pregerson of Woodland Hills, California, N. Randy Smith of Pocatello, Idaho, and John Owens of San Diego heard the appeal.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

UPDATE 8/31/15: From "Federal government’s allowing Big Mountain Jesus statue on federal land in Montana doesn’t violate the Establishment Clause" by Eugene Volokh, Washington Post

Here’s most of the opinion, signed by Judges N.R. Smith and John Owens:

First, USFS’s decision to renew the statue’s permit reflected a primarily secular purpose. The government identified secular rationales for its continued authorization including the statue’s cultural and historical significance for veterans, Montanans, and tourists; the statue’s inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places; and the government’s intent to preserve the site “as a historic part of the resort.” . . .

Second, USFS’s permit authorization did not constitute an endorsement of religion. Our determination is based on the following: (1) there is nothing in the statue’s display or setting to suggest government endorsement; the twelve-foot tall statue is on a mountain, far from any government seat or building, near a commercial ski resort, and accessible only to individuals who pay to use the ski lift; (2) the statue’s plaque communicates that it is privately owned and maintained — “it did not sprout from the minds of [government] officials and was not funded from [the government’s] coffers”; (3) besides the statue’s likeness, there is nothing in the display or setting to suggest a religious message. . . . (4) the flippant interactions of locals and tourists with the statue suggest secular perceptions and uses: decorating it in mardi gras beads, adorning it in ski gear, taking pictures with it, high-fiving it as they ski by, and posing in Facebook pictures; (5) local residents commonly perceived the statue as a meeting place, local landmark, and important aspect of the mountain’s history as a ski area and tourist destination; and, (6) there is an absence of complaints throughout its sixty-year history . . .

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Congressmen Must Deny Prayer Group, Say Atheists

The American Humanist Association is warning newly elected congressmen to shun the Congressional Prayer Caucus because the 105-member caucus stands for religious liberty and works against the secularization of America -- the aim of the atheists.

For background, read Prayer in America: Hidden Faith, or Public? and also read Missouri Votes to Bring Prayer Back to School, Countering Atheists
-- From "Atheists Trying to Shut Down Congressional Prayer Caucus" by Susan Jones, CNSNews.com 12/4/12

Rep. Randy Forbes (R-Va.), who founded the caucus in 2005, said the American Humanist Association is among the "extremist groups" that "want to make sure they've censored and shut down anything related to faith."

Among its objections to the Congressional Prayer Caucus, the American Humanist Association complains that the caucus supports and believes in the National Motto ("In God We Trust") and wants to continue the practice of opening Congress with a daily prayer.

The atheist group also cited the caucus's support for legislation calling on the president to designate 2010 as "the National Year of the Bible" and its support for crosses on public land.

Forbes said he has no objection to atheists or anyone else saying whatever they want to say. "The unfortunate thing is these extremist groups don't give us the same right, and they want to censor our ability to say that we do believe in God and we do believe in our faith."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Congressmen Urged Not to Join Prayer Caucus" posted at CBN News 12/4/12

The caucus gathers weekly in a room just off the House floor in the Capitol building to pray for each other, the week ahead, and the nation. It also works to defend the expression of faith in the public square such as prayer before public meetings and the public display of Christmas symbols.

The American Humanist Association was founded more than 70 years ago with a mission to "bring about a progressive society where being good without gods is an accepted way to live life" according to the organization's website.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Atheists Claim Congressional Prayer Caucus Treats Them Like 'Second Hand Citizens'" by Stoyan Zaimov, Christian Post Reporter 11/9/12

"Members of the Congressional Prayer Caucus have repeatedly introduced and supported legislation that many secular Americans feel is unconstitutional and often favors Christianity above all other religions," said American Humanist Association Executive Director Roy Speckhardt, whose organization sent the open letter to U.S. representatives.

The letter reads: "The Congressional Prayer Caucus is also one of the leading advocates for opening and closing each session of Congress with prayer, which regulates non-religious Americans and other who don't pray to the status of second-class citizens."

Speckhardt, who signed the letter, ends it with a call to the newly elected leaders to continue defending the separation of church and state.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Atheists Knock Christmas Cross Off IL Water Tower

After a 40-year tradition in Alsip, Illinois, there won't be a lighted cross on the village water tower for Christmas this year.  The Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation threatened a lawsuit if the cross lit up another year.  The mayor said Alsip can't afford the legal battle.  Not a word has been heard from local churches on the matter.

-- From "'Nobody Ever Complained' About Cross: Alsip Mayor" by Nick Swedberg, Oak Lawn Patch 11/20/12

Alsip Mayor Patrick Kitching told Patch on Monday that the Freedom from Religion Foundation's asked the village remove a cross, which has been stored on top of the West 119th Street water tower year round and lighted every holiday season for almost 40 years.

"They tried to get me to take it down last year and I just ignored them," Kitching said.

The cross has been used by Alsip since 1973 as part of the village's municipal Christmas —until last week. Alsip removed the cross and is now looking at an alternative decoration for the water tower at West 119th Street.

The Alsip mayor said he didn't want to spend taxpayer money on a legal battle that was likely unwinnable. Rulings have consistently favored those who have brought court cases against municipalities displaying religious imagery on public land or property.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Lawsuit threat means Alsip Christmas tradition gets crossed off" by Steve Metsch, Southtown Star (Chicago Sun-Times) 11/20/12

In a letter to residents and businesses, Kitching wrote: “I am very saddened by this and had hoped we would not have to change tradition. However, in these economic times, the village cannot afford to waste any tax dollars on a lawsuit that simply cannot be won.

Contacted Monday at the village hall, Kitching said, “I know we can’t win. There’s no point in fighting it.”

“I really am [offended]. It’s a tradition, and our tradition has been slapped down. They told me an anonymous [Alsip resident] complained. I doubt that,” Kitching said. “I think they (foundation members) were driving down the tollway and saw our cross.”

Kitching has not heard from any churches in Alsip since the announcement was made.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

University Strips Crosses from Students' Chests

A promotional photo from Louisiana State University to sell football tickets showed fans in a stadium setting, but the Christian crosses displayed by the students on their chests in the original photo were digitally removed for use in the university publication.

“[T]he crosses were edited out of the photos . . . [because] LSU Athletics attempts not to imply any particular religious or political message in any of its correspondence with fans.”
-- Herb Vincent, LSU Vice Chancellor for Communications

For background, read University Suspends Christian for Defending Marriage and also read Buffalo Univ. Favors Gays, Suspends Christian Organization

-- From "Louisiana State university embroiled in Cross controversy" posted at Guardian Express 10/19/12

The University admitted of removing the cross digitally stating that it acted within its rights to edit the photo. “We routinely edit photographs before publication”, Vice Chancellor of Communications Herb Vincent quoted by Campus Reform.

The students have expressed shock over the removal.

The students were part of a group called Painted Posse and the cross is painted on their bodies for every home game, as seen in this picture.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Original photo:

Edited photo:

From "University officials stand by decision to digitally remove symbol of Christian cross off students" by Linnie Leavines, Campus Reform 10/19/12

The students, who are Christians, were shocked to see the photo which appeared to be otherwise untouched.

“I was a bit surprised, because our pictures get used so frequently, and the cross had never been edited before,” said Posse member Cameron Cooke in an interview with Campus Reform.

“The cross painting is important to me because it represents who I am as a Christ follower,” Cooke added, “and it reminds me who I need to act like in Death Valley.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Federal Court Rules out Christian Beliefs at University as well as U.S. Supreme Court Forces Atheists into University Christian Clubs

Lone Atheist Removes Cross from Catholic Athletes

A football team comprised of a combination of Milwaukee students from a public and a Catholic high school have been stripped of their helmet logo because of the image of a tiny cross.  One parent complained that the logo is a violation of the U.S. Constitution, so even though the public school had previously approved the logo, the school board immediately reacted to the complaint and forced the Catholics to acquiesce.

For background, read Atheists Strip Catholic Univ. Cross from City Logo and also read Atheists Want WWI Memorial Cross Demolished in Rhode Island as well as Atheists Sue to Remove Cross from 9/11 Memorial

-- From "School president 'not happy' about crosses coming off Messmer-Shorewood football helmets" by Jay Sorgi, Newsradio WTMJ 620 (Milwaukee) 10/10/12

For 11 years, Messmer High School and Shorewood High School have partnered together on a combined football team.

A parent complained to Shorewood about a cross that's on the team's helmet.

It is part of a logo designed by a Shorewood High student and approved by Shorewood High.

After the complaint came in, the school board voted that the cross has to come off.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Messmer/Shorewood football team changes cross logo" by Erin Richards, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 10/10/12

Players routinely pray before games and many applaud the diversity of the team that blends mostly white, middle-class students in Shorewood with those from a school 14 blocks away serving more students of color, from more varied economic backgrounds.

Brother Bob Smith, president of Messmer Catholic Schools, said that while he'd like some image representative of his school's faith on the helmet, he understood there may not be a way to do that.

That fact that the design contained religious symbolism "did not occur to any of the involved parties as possibly problematic given the longstanding relationship with Messmer," said a communication to the Shorewood School Board prepared by new Superintendent Marty Lexmond.

The team will take on Living Word Lutheran on Friday night.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "School orders cross removed from football helmets" by FOX News, WTTG-TV5 (Washington, D.C.) 10/11/12

It's a case of classic liberal intolerance, said Paul Kengor, executive director of Grove City College's Center for Vision and Values.

"This is the kind of nutty hysteria that has become all too common in this country, and it's the direct result of a fundamental misunderstanding of ‘separation of church and state'," Kengor told Fox News. "It's fitting that this would happen here; that is, in a school. It's precisely in schools that this misunderstanding is bred."

Tom Pope teaches Constitutional Law at Lee University. He said the football logo did not put the school district on the edge of a Constitutional crisis.

"It is hard to argue that the logo with a cross on it advances religion in any substantive way," Pope told Fox News.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Atheists Want WWI Memorial Cross Demolished in RI

The Freedom From Religion Foundation is demanding that a cross outside of the fire station in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, as well as a prayer on the department website, be removed because both are unconstitutional.  Citizens overwhelmingly support the 1921 memorial to fallen World War I soldiers, some arguing that the cross is NOT in reference to Christianity.

“The majority now is being bullied by the minority, by the atheists and by the secularists and we feel like we are on the defensive . . .”
-- Roman Catholic Bishop Thomas J. Tobin

For background, read Supreme Court Says No Crosses; Arlington Neither? and also read Federal Appeals Court Rules Cross Unconstitutional as well as Court Ruling Removes Prayer Banner from Cranston RI School



UPDATE 5/3/12 "We're 'going to battle against these atheists all the way back to Wisconsin'" (video):

-- From "Cross in Woonsocket called unconstitutional" by The Associated Press 4/24/12

The Woonsocket Call reports that the Madison, Wis.-based [atheist] group sent Mayor Leo Fontaine a letter calling the cross' display in the parking lot of the fire department "unlawful" because of the separation of church and state.

The foundation says an image of an angel and "The Fire Fighter's Prayer" on the department's website are also unconstitutional.

The group says it received a complaint from a local resident, but officials in Woonsocket are skeptical. Fontaine says the monument has been there for 97 years and no one has had a problem with it.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Mayor keeping options open, calls atheists 'knuckleheads'" by Dee DeQuattro, WPRO News (Radio 630/99.7FM) 4/25/12

“It’s one of those things that you want to try to dismiss because, you know, a couple knuckle heads out in Wisconsin have an idea that they feel offended about something and suddenly everybody has to jump for them and I don’t want to have to resort to that but I also don’t want to be unprepared either,” [Mayor Leo] Fontaine told WPRO’s John DePetro.

State Representative Jon Brien from Woonsocket agreed with Fontaine, “What I just heard is so ludicrous its even hard to believe,” Brien told the WPRO Morning News with Tara Granahan and Andrew Gobeil, “This is an organized war on religion, but not religion in general it is a war on Catholicism.”

“They can do it now because they know city and towns are broke so they are not going to be able to put up the money to fight them the way that they normally would,” said Brien.

Fontaine said he doesn’t view the monument as religious in nature. “This cross is there primarily as part of a war memorial and not so much to symbolize the Christian cross but To signify the crosses over thousands and thousands of graves of American soldier who fought and gave their lives for very freedom that this freedom from religion group operates under,” said Fontaine.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Woonsocket Council president defends cross on war memorial" by Mike McKinney, Providence Journal 4/25/12

City Council President John F. Ward . . . said the memorial being criticized by the Freedom From Religion Foundation is a historical monument, dedicated to people from Woonsocket who gave their lives in the two World Wars, not a religious one.

"I think the organization is completely off base in their objections," Ward said. He said if "they were right then we would have to rebuild the Supreme Court houses in Washington," remove monuments across the country, "and we would have to close the Arlington National Cemetery."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Bishop Tobin weighs in on war monument, calls atheists bullies" by Dee DeQuattro, WPRO News (Radio 630/99.7FM) 4/26/12

Bishop Tobin says the challenge to the war monument that features a cross in Woonsocket by a Wisconsin atheist group is a “serious attack on religious expression and religious freedom” and that the atheists are bullying those who have faith.

“We are seeing a slow but steady erosion of a basic American value and that is the freedom of religious expression,” said Tobin. Tobin said the cross should not be taken down but he is open to relocating it to an area of more prominence where it will not be an “issue.” Mayor Leo Fontaine of Woonsocket said he is looking at spaces on private land that the monument could be relocated to if necessary. A rally scheduled for next Wednesday May, 2 at 4:30 p.m. at the monument aims to urge the city to keep the monument where it is.

Tobin told John DePetro that religion is everywhere in American society and various faiths are represented. He said that it is impossible for someone “offended” by the presence of religion to avoid it completely so they need to come to terms with it. “It is very hard to be immune to all that. If people are offended by that they have to deal with their issues,” said Tobin. “They cannot live in a bubble. They cannot isolate themselves completely from every religious expression in our nation, in our culture, in our society.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Cross in group's crosshairs" by Russ Olivo, The Call (Woonsocket, RI) 4/23/12

On April 13, the Madison, Wisc.-based foundation sent Mayor Leo T. Fontaine a letter calling the display of the “Latin cross” on public property “unlawful” and demanding that the situation be rectified.

Sprinkled with references to case law affirming the separation of religion and government, the warning has sparked outrage among veterans, city officials and many others in this overwhelmingly Roman Catholic enclave.

“It’s a jobs program for lawyers with nothing better to do,” says [Council President] Ward. “I have serious doubts that someone actually reached out to them to file a complaint.”

But city officials take the threat seriously. FFRF is a well-heeled organization whose track record proves it’s not bashful about backing up the tough talk with action. It’s taken on numerous high-profile legal battles over the church-state divide and has won many. It has a litigation fund that’s reportedly in the vicinity of $5.5 million and, by its own accounting, is presently pressing complaints in 11 states, including Pennsylvania, Colorado, Arizona, Montana, Tennessee, Virginia and others.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.