"The provocative Nativity scenes are part of a growing trend of Christian activism on immigration, especially among mainline Protestant churches, Catholic parishes and progressive evangelical groups. Zoom in: Lake Street Church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston, Ill., reimagined its Nativity scene with baby Jesus's hands zip-tied, Mary in a gas mask and figures dressed in tactical vests labeled "ICE." Vandals later destroyed the scene and decapitated the statue of Mary."
"Oak Lawn United Methodist Church in Dallas has erected an outdoor Nativity display inside a cage topped with razor wire, featuring a shopping cart and trash barrels. "May this scene call us to make room - in our hearts, in our city, in our policies - for the Christ who comes as an unhoused immigrant child." Rev. Rachel Griffin-Allison said in a statement."
Christian congregations across denominations have staged provocative Nativity displays that critique U.S. immigration enforcement. Congregations included mainline Protestant churches, Catholic parishes and progressive evangelical groups mounting installations portraying immigration agents, empty manger scenes, and barriers such as cages and razor wire. Several displays were vandalized, including decapitation of a statue and other damage, and some were later restored. Local Catholic leadership in at least one case demanded removal, citing the need to keep worship spaces free from divisive political messaging. An interfaith group launched a $300,000 digital and streaming ad campaign timed to Christmas music to amplify immigration-focused messaging.
Read at Axios
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