Massachusetts Church Keeps Anti-ICE Nativity Scene, Defying Diocese Leaders
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- A Catholic church near Boston, St. Susanna Parish in Dedham, maintained a Nativity display featuring an anti-ICE message, defying an order from the Catholic Archdiocese of Boston to remove it.
- The display replaced the traditional figures of Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus with a sign reading “ICE WAS HERE,” alongside a note directing observers to contact LUCE, an immigrant advocacy group monitoring ICE activities.
- The display aims to provoke dialogue about immigration enforcement, with parish leaders emphasizing the message is not intended to be sacrilegious despite differing opinions.
- The Catholic Archdiocese of Boston criticized the display, stating that churchgoers expect authentic opportunities for prayer and worship rather than divisive political statements.
