Christian Americans have undoubtedly faced discrimination and persecution left and right this year, but the Thomas More Society is having none of it any longer.
According to The Christian Post, the Christian law group has vowed to defend the rights of Americans to display nativity scenes in public areas. These displays have come under fire as atheist groups have been demanding that these be put down, citing the constitutional provision on the separation of Church and State.
But Tom Brejcha, the group's president and chief counsel, said people should not adhere to the demands made by "anti-Christian, anti-Christmas rhetoric and Satanic expositions" because they "merely serve to provide sharp emphasis by means of their stark contrast with the positive, uplifting, hopeful and joyous message of Christmas."
He believes that the message of the nativity scene "bears secular as well as religious significance" because it "highlights the hope and miracle of birth and new life, the inherent dignity of each and every human being, focusing our attention on the humble and lowly infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger amidst straw and animals, honoured by shepherds and kings alike and heralded by choirs of angels."
"That message of the essential equality and dignity of all human beings, no matter how rich or poor, humble or high-stationed, resonates deeply with the values that Americans cherish," he said.
The Thomas More Society has already sponsored nativity displays in Illinois, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Nebraska, Rhode Island, Texas, and in Oklahoma, and is planning to secure more permits to put up the same display in other states as well.
Atheist groups such as the Freedom From Religion Foundation and the American Civil Liberties Union have been relentlessly attacking the setting up of nativity displays during Christmas time. Brejcha insisted that these are a "constitutionally protected expression by private citizens in traditional or designated public forums."
He said the government should only act as a "neutral gatekeeper assuring open access for all citizens to have their say."
