Controversial Nativity Scene in Boston Draws Condemnation

A Nativity display outside St. Susanna Catholic Church in Dedham, a suburb of Boston, has been met with sharp criticism from the Archdiocese of Boston. The display featured a sign that read “ICE was here,” with Jesus, Mary, and Joseph notably absent from the manger scene.

This anti-ICE Nativity scene also included contact information for groups monitoring immigration enforcement activities. The archdiocese termed the exhibit as a “divisive political message” and stated it violates Catholic teachings, calling for its immediate removal. They emphasized that the manger should return to its original sacred purpose.

“People come to church expecting authentic opportunities for prayer and worship, not divisive slogans,” a representative from the archdiocese noted. According to church norms, sacred symbols shouldn’t be manipulated for anything other than the spiritual edification of the faithful.

Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons weighed in on the situation as well, labeling Pastor Stephen Josoma an “activist pastor” and expressing concern that such actions could incite violence against ICE officers. He commented that there has been a troubling rise in assaults on ICE personnel, attributed partly to narratives like those promoted by Josoma.

Lyons reported over 250 attacks on ICE officers this year alone, alongside increasing incidents of identity theft, stalking, and threats of violence. In a response to the controversy, Father Josoma defended his display, claiming its goal was to provoke thought around contemporary issues, suggesting it casts modern-day context on the story of Christ’s birth.

He described the Nativity scene as “religious art” designed to evoke strong emotional responses. “If this installation sparks action or reflection, then perhaps that’s a positive outcome,” he remarked.

This isn’t the first time Josoma has stirred the pot with his church’s Nativity scenes. Back in 2018, a notably controversial display had Baby Jesus in a cage, separated from his parents, as a protest against the Trump administration’s immigration policies. It’s worth noting that during Trump’s first term, thousands of families were separated at the border.

Over recent years, Josoma has crafted Nativity scenes addressing themes like gun control and climate change, solidifying his reputation for intertwining activism with religious expression. Reflecting on this episode, Lyons praised the archdiocese for taking a stand against rhetoric he deems dangerous and extreme.