Churches are using Nativity scenes to make strong statements about immigration. In Charlotte, a church's Nativity scene includes ICE agents approaching the Holy Family. This was done to highlight the recent immigration enforcement actions in the city. The scene was vandalized by an unidentified man who found it disgusting. The pastor, Andrew Shipley, defended the display, saying it reflects the disturbing reality of immigration enforcement.

In Massachusetts, another church's Nativity scene replaced the Holy Family with a sign that reads, "ICE WAS HERE. " The Archdiocese of Boston asked the church to remove the display, but the pastor refused, arguing that it aligns with the Bible's message. The pastor also pointed out that the church has a history of using Nativity scenes to comment on social and political issues.

The controversy highlights the debate among faith leaders about whether to mix politics and religion. Some see it as an opportunity to draw parallels between the birth of Christ and modern-day issues. Others view it as a sacrilegious affront. The debate is not new, but it has gained more attention in recent years.

The Nativity story itself includes themes of displacement and seeking refuge. The Holy Family fled to Egypt to escape King Herod's orders to kill all male children in Bethlehem. This part of the story is often overlooked in traditional Nativity scenes, but some faith leaders believe it is relevant to today's immigration issues.

The use of Nativity scenes to make political statements has drawn both support and criticism. Some people see it as a powerful way to raise awareness about important issues. Others see it as disrespectful to the religious significance of the Nativity. The debate is likely to continue, especially as immigration remains a contentious issue.


# **Churches Use Nativity Scenes to Make Strong Statements About Immigration**

## **Charlotte, North Carolina**

- **Scene**: ICE agents approaching the Holy Family
- **Purpose**: Highlight recent immigration enforcement actions
- **Vandalism**: Unidentified man found it disgusting
- **Pastor's Defense**: Andrew Shipley says it reflects the reality of immigration enforcement

## **Massachusetts**

- **Scene**: Sign reading "ICE WAS HERE" replacing the Holy Family
- **Archdiocese of Boston**: Asked for removal
- **Pastor's Argument**: Aligns with the Bible's message; church has history of political statements

## **Controversy and Debate**

- **Faith Leaders Divided**:
  - Some see it as an opportunity to draw parallels
  - Others view it as sacrilegious
- **Nativity Story Themes**:
  - Displacement and seeking refuge
  - Holy Family fled to Egypt to escape King Herod
- **Public Reaction**:
  - Support: Powerful way to raise awareness
  - Criticism: Disrespectful to religious significance



Faith, Art, and Immigration: Churches Make Bold Statements

Charlotte, North Carolina

Massachusetts

Controversy and Debate

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