Key Takeaways:
- The Archbishop of Boston will meet with a Dedham priest to discuss a controversial "ICE was here" nativity scene at St. Susanna’s Parish.
- The display, which suggests Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, has sparked debate and criticism.
- The Archdiocese has called for the scene to be removed, citing that it promotes "divisive political messaging" and violates Church norms.
- The priest, Father Stephen Josoma, has defended the display as a way to "create dialogue around contemporary life."
- The meeting between the Archbishop and the priest is scheduled to take place in January.
Introduction to the Controversy
The Archbishop of Boston, Richard Henning, has scheduled a meeting with Father Stephen Josoma, the priest of St. Susanna’s Parish in Dedham, to discuss a controversial nativity scene that has sparked debate and criticism. The display, which was erected outside the church shortly after Thanksgiving, depicts a traditional nativity scene with one notable exception: Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are missing, with a sign that reads "ICE was here" in their place. The suggestion is that the Holy Family was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. This provocative display has been met with a mix of reactions, ranging from praise for its thought-provoking message to condemnation for its perceived politicization of a sacred Christian symbol.
The Church’s History of Making Statements
St. Susanna’s Parish has a history of using its nativity displays to make statements about contemporary issues. In 2018, the church depicted baby Jesus in a cage, sparking a similar controversy. Father Josoma has defended the current display, stating that "our hope was to create dialogue around contemporary life." The priest’s intention is to use the nativity scene as a way to spark conversation and reflection about the treatment of immigrants and refugees in the United States. However, not everyone has been receptive to this message, with some critics accusing the church of promoting a "dangerous and extremist narrative."
The Archdiocese’s Response
The Archdiocese of Boston has taken a different view of the display, calling for it to be removed. In a statement, the Archdiocese said that "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 statement also cited Church norms that prohibit the use of sacred objects for any purpose other than the devotion of God’s people. The Archdiocese’s position is that the nativity scene should be a place of reverence and worship, rather than a platform for political commentary.
Reactions from Outside the Church
The display has also drawn criticism from outside the Church, with ICE Director Todd Lyons calling it "abhorrent" and accusing it of promoting a "dangerous and extremist narrative." Lyons’ reaction is not surprising, given the sensitive nature of the issue and the fact that the display is seen as a critique of ICE’s policies and practices. However, Father Josoma and the parishioners of St. Susanna’s have defended the display as a necessary commentary on the treatment of immigrants and refugees in the United States.
The Meeting and Its Implications
The meeting between Archbishop Henning and Father Josoma is scheduled to take place in January, after the holidays. The Archbishop has stated that he wants to "hear him out and listen" to the priest’s perspective on the display. This meeting will likely be an important moment in the controversy, as it will provide an opportunity for the two to discuss the display and its implications. The outcome of the meeting is uncertain, but it is possible that the Archdiocese may ultimately decide to remove the display or take other action to address the controversy. Regardless of the outcome, the display has already sparked a necessary conversation about the role of the Church in addressing social and political issues, and the importance of respecting the dignity and humanity of all people, regardless of their immigration status.
Conclusion and Reflection
The controversy surrounding the "ICE was here" nativity scene at St. Susanna’s Parish is a complex and multifaceted issue that raises important questions about the role of the Church in addressing social and political issues. While some have praised the display as a thought-provoking commentary on the treatment of immigrants and refugees, others have criticized it as a divisive and politicized message. As the Church and the wider community continue to grapple with these issues, it is clear that the display has sparked a necessary conversation about the importance of respecting the dignity and humanity of all people, regardless of their immigration status. The meeting between Archbishop Henning and Father Josoma will be an important moment in this conversation, and its outcome will likely have implications for the Church and the wider community.
