Churches in Illinois and Massachusetts have modified their Nativity scenes to incorporate elements reflecting contemporary immigration enforcement actions. These displays have generated varied public and religious responses.
Modified Nativity Displays
Several churches have altered their traditional Nativity scenes:
- Lake Street Church, Evanston, Illinois: This display features a baby Jesus figure with his wrists secured by zip ties and wrapped in a silver emergency blanket. A Mary figure wears a plastic gas mask, and Roman soldier figures are depicted with tactical vests labeled "ICE."
- Urban Village Church, Chicago suburb: Situated near an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility, this church's manger includes a sign stating: "Due to ICE activity in our community the Holy Family is in hiding."
- St. Susanna Parish, Dedham, Massachusetts: The Christ child figure was removed from the Nativity scene and replaced by a hand-painted sign reading: "ICE was here." In previous years, the parish had depicted baby Jesus in a cage in 2018 to reference family separations at the border, and another year showed the infant in water containing plastic to highlight climate change concerns.
Statements from Participating Churches
Creators of these displays indicate their purpose is to place the biblical narrative in a contemporary context. They describe the Holy Family as refugees to reflect perceived concerns about family separation and deportation experienced by some individuals, including their parishioners.
Rev. Michael Woolf, senior minister at Lake Street Church, stated that Christmas offers an opportunity for churches to convey messages through public art, referencing a prior display addressing peace in Gaza.
Father Steve Josoma of St. Susanna Parish explained that the display aims to move "beyond static traditional figures" to evoke "emotion and dialogue" in response to concerns faced by parishioners due to federal arrests.
Jillian Westerfield, associate minister at Urban Village Church, commented that their display reflects "the reality that our community is experiencing." Following damage to a Joseph figure, a sign was added stating: "Joseph didn't make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement actions."
Phil Mandeville, a member of St. Susanna's Parish Council, noted the parish's direct engagement with refugee families since 2019, assisting with housing, education, and employment. He emphasized that the display is connected to their ongoing work with refugees.
Reactions and Responses
The modified Nativity scenes have elicited a range of reactions:
- Criticism: Opponents have described the displays as sacrilegious and politically divisive, arguing against the use of religious imagery for political commentary. Some have suggested that the churches should lose their tax-exempt status.
- Archdiocesan Directive: The Archdiocese of Boston instructed St. Susanna Parish to remove its display, stating it should be "restored to its proper sacred purpose." A diocesan spokesperson articulated that individuals attending church expect "genuine opportunities for prayer and Catholic worship – not divisive political messaging." As of the time of reporting, Father Josoma had not complied with the directive and was seeking a meeting with the Archdiocese.
- Further Criticism: C.J. Doyle, director of the Catholic Action League of Massachusetts, referred to the St. Susanna display as "a grave scandal" and suggested potential disciplinary actions for the priest. Walter Niland, a Catholic from a neighboring town, stated that churches should address "spiritual matters, not matters of political division." One individual attempted to access the Dedham church, livestreaming the attempt.
- Support: Supporters indicate that the displays align with religious teachings. Steve Grieger, a former Catholic schoolteacher, traveled to Dedham to express support, arguing that contemporary circumstances necessitate a departure from traditional practices to align with religious scriptures concerning current events. In Evanston, volunteers from a nearby synagogue were present outside Lake Street Church services.
Context of Immigration Enforcement
The displays coincide with ongoing immigration enforcement activities in the United States. Federal arrest figures indicate that in September alone, at least 2,000 individuals were arrested in Illinois and Massachusetts combined. In Illinois, reports have detailed incidents involving chemical sprays affecting bystanders and emotional distress in children witnessing arrests, prompting state and local investigations.