UPI's Michael Kirkland reports on the Catholic League's plan to send ceramic manger scenes to Governors in all 50 states, urging them to display them prominently this Christmas season. Because the displays were not purchased with taxpayer money, Bill Donahue writes to state executives, and so long as they are placed amid secular holiday symbols, there is no church-state problem.
Of course, as in the case of evaluating Ten Commandment displays, it's not quite that simple. Everything from the context of the Nativity's placement to the purpose behind its inclusion will enter into a constitutional determination. (See Allegheny County v. ACLU)
Also a tad troubling in this story is one other element of the plan.
Donohue told the governors — the league's monthly journal Catalyst had published the names of each of their chiefs of staff, so league members could contact them if the creche did not appear in the rotunda as requested.
Promote Jesus, or else!
This is perhaps not the classiest way to celebrate Christmas: demanding the use of the government stage to advance a religious message, under threat of organized protest. We shouldn't need the state capitol to act as pulpit, or to celebrate our religious holidays for us. Whether or not it's legal, it's surely unwise and unnecessary. Adding to that the promise of public backlash makes the whole scheme a little unsavory as well.
Governors, just say no.
