Debate Over Bronze Statues in Quincy, Massachusetts
Massachusetts communities are currently split over the proposal to install two large bronze statues of Catholic saints outside a new public safety building in Quincy. The statues in question are of St. Michael the Archangel and St. Florian, both measuring about 10 feet tall and valued at approximately $850,000.
Joe Davis, from the Beckett Fund for Religious Freedom, expressed in an interview that the city’s plan reflects a longstanding tradition that celebrates valor and sacrifice, suggesting it does not infringe on the Constitution’s separation of church and state. According to Davis, “This project aims to beautify public spaces and to honor those who risk their lives daily.” He noted that these figures hold significance for both firefighters and police officers globally, serving as a source of inspiration for them.
Background of the Conflict
Mayor Thomas P. Koch initiated the commissioning of the statues for the new public safety facility, which is part of a $150 million project intended for the city’s police and fire departments. However, the announcement has led to significant pushback in the South Boston area. Critics, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Massachusetts, argue that using taxpayer funds for Catholic symbols on government property breaches both the Massachusetts Constitution and the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause.
In May 2025, the ACLU, collaborating with various religious organizations, filed a lawsuit representing 15 residents of different faith backgrounds. They claim the statues imply a message of exclusion for non-Catholic residents, making them feel like second-class citizens.
The ACLU had previously warned city officials that the statue’s plan appeared to violate state rights. One section of their correspondence stated, “The installation of these statues promotes one religion to the exclusion of others,” highlighting concerns about the symbolism of St. Michael overcoming the devil.
Davis Responds to Criticism
Davis countered the allegations, asserting that the city’s intentions align with a rich tradition of civic art linked to religious themes. “If symbols are removed from public view solely due to their religious significance, many public imageries would need to follow suit,” he remarked. He suggested that similar artistic representations exist throughout the country, such as the statue of Moses in the U.S. Supreme Court, which doubles as a symbol of law and justice.
Comparing the Quincy statues to the Bladensburg Peace Cross, which commemorates fallen soldiers and was deemed constitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court, Davis argued that the intention behind the Quincy installation is to honor local first responders.
The Beckett Fund intends to appeal against a temporary injunction that has halted the installation of the statues, with hopes that this case could clarify the status of religious symbols within public spaces.
Local Reactions
Koch mentioned that many first responders carry tokens, such as prayer cards, featuring the same saints, indicating a desire to “honor and protect” them. The sculptures were created in Italy by artist Sergei Eiranbekov, known for other public monuments in the city.
Nonetheless, critics argue that the project was initiated without proper community input or City Council endorsement. The local newspaper reportedly unveiled the statue plan only after significant payments had already been made. More than 1,600 signatures have been collected on a petition opposing the project, and an interfaith coalition of various clergy released a statement indicating that the statues foster a divide among community members.
What’s Next?
The lawsuit argues that the statues fail to meet the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court’s criteria for religious neutrality, though federal courts have dismissed this test. Davis emphasized that government displays can encompass both secular and religious meanings and cautioned against the potential consequences of removing religious imagery.
As the legal proceedings progress, the case may reach the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court to address whether incorporating religious imagery in public art violates the state’s constitution.
For now, the statues remain stored overseas, awaiting their eventual shipment to Quincy. City officials have chosen not to comment further while the case is under litigation. “What Quincy is doing is a time-honored tradition, using art to express gratitude for those who serve our community,” Davis concluded.
