Key Takeaways:
- Churches are reimagining the Christmas Nativity scene to reflect the contemporary issue of immigration enforcement under the Trump administration
- The displays depict the Holy Family as refugees, highlighting the fear of separation and deportation faced by many families
- The reimagined Nativity scenes have sparked both praise and outrage, with some critics calling them sacrilegious and politically divisive
- The debate comes as immigration enforcement intensifies in states and cities that object to the immigration crackdown
- The displays have been met with a divided reaction, with some supporting the message and others calling for the churches to lose their tax-exempt status
Introduction to the Debate
The traditional Christmas Nativity scene has been reimagined by some churches to reflect the contemporary issue of immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. In Evanston, Illinois, a church has displayed a Nativity scene with baby Jesus in a manger, wrapped in a silver emergency blanket with his wrists zip-tied, while Mary stands nearby wearing a plastic gas mask and flanked by Roman soldiers in tactical vests labeled "ICE." Similarly, a church in Dedham, Massachusetts, has displayed a sign at the manger that reads "ICE was here" after the Christ child went missing. These displays have sparked both praise and outrage, with some critics calling them sacrilegious and politically divisive.
The Purpose of the Displays
The creators of these displays say they are placing the ancient story of Christ’s birth in a contemporary frame, portraying the Holy Family as refugees to reflect on the fear of separation and deportation that many families, including their own parishioners, are experiencing today. Rev. Michael Woolf, senior minister at Lake Street Church in Evanston, said that Christmas is a time when churches have public art on display and can use it to say something important. He noted that his church has created similar displays in the past, including one that showed Jesus in rubble as a "plea for peace" in Gaza.
The Reaction from the Archdiocese
The archdiocese in Massachusetts has ordered that the manger at St. Susanna Parish in Dedham be "restored to its proper sacred purpose." Boston Archbishop Richard Henning has also spoken out against the display, saying that the people of God have the right to expect genuine opportunities for prayer and Catholic worship, not divisive political messaging. Some Catholic activists have called for the priest, Father Steve Josoma, to be punished for the display, with one saying that it is a "grave scandal for Catholics" and that the archbishop can remove him as pastor or even close the parish.
The Community’s Reality
The display at St. Susanna Parish is meant to reflect the reality that many parishioners face as federal forces arrest undocumented immigrants, sweeping up longtime legal residents and spreading anxiety. Jillian Westerfield, associate minister at the United Methodist church in Evanston, said that the display is meant to evoke emotion and dialogue in response to the fear that many people are experiencing. She noted that the figure of Joseph was damaged in a storm, leaving Mary alone with the baby, and that they put up a sign explaining that "Joseph didn’t make it" to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.
A Message of Support
Phil Mandeville, who sits on St. Susanna’s Parish Council and coordinates a multi-church refugee support committee, said that the parish is resolute about keeping the display. He noted that the committee has worked with about 10 refugee families since 2019, helping them find housing, enroll in school, learn English, and secure work. Mandeville said that the display is not a stunt, but rather a reflection of the parish’s daily work with refugees. He added that people get upset about a bit of plaster, but he cares more about individuals than he does a manger scene.
A Divided Reaction
The controversy over the displays has drawn a divided reaction, with some people supporting the message and others calling for the churches to lose their tax-exempt status. Walter Niland, a Catholic from a neighboring town, disagreed with the display, saying that the church should speak to spiritual matters, not matters of political division. On the other hand, Steve Grieger, a former Catholic schoolteacher, drove an hour from Worcester to show his support, saying that the Archdiocese is out of touch with the times and that the display is a necessary reflection of the scriptures of Jesus.
Conclusion
The reimagined Nativity scenes have sparked a heated debate about the role of churches in addressing contemporary social issues. While some see the displays as a necessary reflection of the fear and anxiety faced by many families, others view them as sacrilegious and politically divisive. As the debate continues, it is clear that the displays have achieved their goal of evoking emotion and dialogue, and will likely remain a topic of discussion in the days and weeks to come.