Controversial Nativity Scene in Massachusetts Church
A Massachusetts church has found itself in hot water due to a provocative addition to its annual Nativity display. St. Susanna Catholic Church, situated in Dedham, a Boston suburb, features a scene that includes an empty manger alongside a sign saying “ICE Was Here,” along with contact details for the state’s immigration enforcement agency.
CJ Doyle, the executive director of the Catholic Action League of Massachusetts, reported receiving numerous complaints from parishioners who found the display and its message offensive, especially given the absence of the Holy Family—Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. “I think this is quite insensitive,” Doyle remarked. “Father Stephen Jasoma is politicizing Christmas and using Catholic institutions to push his leftist agenda.”
In response to the criticism, Jasoma defended the display to a local news outlet, expressing that it serves to reflect “the dynamics of what’s happening in the world today.” Over recent years, he has earned a reputation for controversial Nativity presentations. Previously, he and his church’s justice group have made statements regarding topics like gun violence, climate change, and immigration.
Jasoma added, “I wish all churches would take this stance. We should be open and welcoming.” In 2018, he controversially enclosed the figure of baby Jesus in a cage as a reflection of the southern border situation.
“This is about a dissenting priest who’s been engaging in what I’d term politically charged propaganda,” Doyle contended. “This doesn’t pertain to the birth of our Savior at all; it’s really about promoting his own political views.” While Doyle recognizes Jasoma’s history of intertwining faith and politics, he believes the Archdiocese of Boston must also be held accountable for enabling such actions.
“The archdiocese has permitted this behavior before,” he stated. “They should simply put an end to it.” Doyle further emphasized the church’s call for ridding the community of inhumane rhetoric toward both immigrants and law enforcement.
He also acknowledged that the Nativity scene could indeed dehumanize law enforcement figures, saying, “Of course it was.” Interestingly, St. Susanna isn’t alone in using its Nativity to make a political statement this season. Another church in Illinois showcased a display that depicted baby Jesus’ hands bound and depicted his parents with gas masks, presenting it as a commentary on forced family separations.
Gillian Westerfield, associate pastor at Lake Street Church in Evanston, commented on their own display, suggesting that the image connects deeply with contemporary societal issues, as the Holy Family was, after all, a group of refugees. “This installation isn’t subtle because the hardships it speaks to are very real,” she explained. “By inviting the community to re-examine this familiar tale against the backdrop of current immigration challenges, we hope to rejuvenate its radical essence.”
Westerfield made it clear that while they strive to encourage discussions on moral topics, they won’t endorse any political stance. “We’re just trying to address the pressing needs of those within our community,” she added.
Meanwhile, Jasoma has faced backlash for his actions, even receiving serious threats. He remarked that holding up a “mirror to the world” is essential in these times. Both he and the Archdiocese of Boston did not provide comments in response to requests for feedback.
