Controversy Over Nativity Scene in Massachusetts
The Acting Director of ICE, Todd Lyons, along with the Archdiocese of Boston, is pressing for the removal of a sign reading “ICE Was Here” that has been placed over a Nativity scene at a church in Dedham, Massachusetts.
Lyons described the actions of Rev. Stephen Josoma, the pastor of St. Susanna Church, as “abhorrent.” He mentioned the pastor’s role in contributing to a significant increase in assaults on ICE officers, which is alarming. The Nativity scene features an empty manger with the aforementioned sign, along with contact details for a group that tracks immigration enforcement in the state.
Josoma, who leads the church’s annual peace and justice exhibit, expressed his intention to evoke thoughts on what challenges Christ might face if he were born in today’s world. “I want you to consider that,” he stated.
In a recent statement, Lyons criticized Josoma’s use of his platform to promote activist causes and highlighted that this has drawn scrutiny from the Archdiocese. He thanked the Archdiocese for standing against what he termed dangerous criminal activity.
Meanwhile, Terrence Donilon, the secretary for communications and public affairs at the archdiocese, called the sign a “divisive political message.” He emphasized that attendees should find a space for prayer, not political statements.
Donilon pointed out that church rules prevent sacred objects from being used for anything other than worship or community purposes. He stressed that the church had not sought permission from the archdiocese for this display, labeling it inappropriate.
Josoma has a history of using Nativity scenes to address current events, previously incorporating themes of gun control and climate change. In one instance, in 2018, he displayed Baby Jesus in a cage, reflecting on immigration issues during the Trump presidency.
Interestingly, other churches across the nation are also using Nativity scenes to comment on ICE and immigration policies. For example, a church in Illinois depicted Baby Jesus’s hands bound with zip ties, describing this as a parallel to the contemporary experience of immigrant families.
