Over the years, Christians have begun to lose the majority position on the winter holidays in many local governments. Their overtly religious displays, once decorating government buildings without question, have been challenged by those of other religious beliefs, by atheists, and by secularists who prefer government to stay neutral in matters of the season.
Boca Raton, Florida has decided to forgo the annual battle over Christmas displays this year and has banned all holiday displays in lobbies of government buildings.
Mayor Susan Whelchel told CBS News Channel 12, "The disruption has been so much and so consistent that it prevents us from doing the job we're hired to do"
Secularists and atheists applaud this decision. Good representative government has no interest in the religion business. Holidays come and go and are celebrated on private property, by individuals, or groups of like mind. The government can not adequately represent all the various forms of beliefs throughout the year, and shouldn't try.
But, a government building not bedecked with the Christian symbols of Christmas is, to many Christians, nothing short of oppression. Mark Boykin of the Church of All Nations calls it discrimination against Christians.
"All we're asking," he told the Sun Sentinel, "is just put up a creche, put one up in the spirit of unity."
It's a shame no one asked Boykin in what manner the creche is a symbol of unity, and in what way acknowledging the Christian religion on government property could possibly inspire it.
Boykin and his church are planning the March of the Creche on December 13, during which they will descend upon City Hall with creches and leave them there, in their attempt to force the government to celebrate their brand of Christmas.
Clearly, evangelical Christians need the government to endorse their fragile faith. Celebrating Christmas in their churches and homes, in virtually every store, and on most street corners, just isn't enough for them.
Please congratulate the Boca Raton City Council for their wise decision to separate religion and government. Mayor Susan Whelchel can be reached at swhelchel@ci.boca-raton.fl.us
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