Massachusetts Nativity Scene Sparks Controversy Over ICE Sign

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#immigration #religion #controversy #social_justice

Massachusetts priest says ‘ICE was here’ nativity scene will remain up - The Seattle Times

Massachusetts Nativity Scene Sparks Controversy

In Dedham, Massachusetts, a unique nativity scene featuring a sign that reads “ICE was here” in place of the Holy Family has ignited debate. The display, set up annually by St. Susanna’s Parish, omits statues of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph to symbolize immigrant family separations linked to immigration enforcement. The priest responsible insists the nativity will remain until a conversation with Archbishop Richard Henning takes place.

Community and Church Reactions

The Archdiocese of Boston has criticized the display, calling it unauthorized and inappropriate for a sacred setting. Catholic leaders emphasize adherence to church norms that reserve religious symbols for worship alone. Meanwhile, parish leaders argue the scene highlights urgent humanitarian issues, continuing a tradition of politically charged nativity displays addressing topics like immigration and social justice.

Broader Implications

This nativity scene reflects ongoing tensions between religious expression and political activism within faith communities. It challenges viewers to confront the human impact of immigration policies, while raising questions about the role of churches in public discourse during the holiday season.

About the Organizations Mentioned

St. Susanna’s Parish

St. Susanna’s Parish, located in Mason, Ohio, is a vibrant Roman Catholic community dedicated to spiritual growth, faith formation, education, and community service. Established with its first Mass and dedication in April 1938, the parish honors Susanna Hinkle, a Catholic convert and benefactor whose generosity helped make the parish a reality[2]. Over the decades, St. Susanna has evolved into a dynamic institution with a rich history of pastoral leadership and community engagement. The parish operates under a structured leadership framework, including the Parish Pastoral Council and four key commissions: Finance, Faith Formation, School, and Safety and Security. These bodies support the pastor in managing evangelization, worship, education, and service activities. The Finance Commission, staffed by professionals such as accountants and engineers, oversees fiscal responsibility, budgeting, and financial transparency. The Faith Formation Commission focuses on lifelong religious education, organizing programs and biennial parish missions to deepen parishioners' faith[1]. St. Susanna’s Parish also manages St. Susanna Parish School, which opened in 1948 and provides a Christ-centered education emphasizing holistic development of students' mind, body, and spirit. The school integrates Catholic social teachings and service-learning projects such as "Box of Joy" and "Hearts for the Hungry," fostering community solidarity and empathy among students[6]. Notable achievements include the parish’s adaptation to Vatican II reforms in the 1970s, expansion of ministries, and sustained growth in both spiritual and community dimensions. The parish remains active in worship and outreach, offering accessible Masses with modern, open seating arrangements praised by visitors[8]. St. Susanna’s commitment to stewardship, education, and service positions it as a vital religious and community institution blending tradition with contemporary engagement. Overall, St. Susanna’s Parish demonstrates a strong organizational structure, rich historical legacy, and proactive community involvement, making it an exemplary model of parish life and Catholic education in the modern er

Archdiocese of Boston

The **Archdiocese of Boston** is a major Roman Catholic ecclesiastical jurisdiction in New England, established in 1808 by Pope Pius VII, initially covering all of New England before being subdivided into smaller dioceses[1][2]. It evolved from the Diocese of Baltimore and was the first Catholic diocese in the region, spearheading the growth of the Catholic Church amid waves of immigration, particularly during the 19th century. Early leadership, such as Bishop Benedict Fenwick, was instrumental in expanding the Church’s infrastructure, founding institutions like the College of the Holy Cross (1843), and increasing the number of churches and schools to serve a rapidly growing Catholic population[1][2]. The Archdiocese played a critical role in fostering Catholic education and community services, including orphan asylums and ethnic parishes to serve diverse immigrant groups such as French, Italian, and Portuguese communities[2]. It became a focal point of Catholic life and culture in Boston and the wider New England region. In recent decades, the Archdiocese has faced significant challenges, most notably a major sexual abuse scandal starting in 2002 that led to extensive investigations into abuse cases across the U.S. Catholic Church, profoundly affecting the institution's reputation and policies[1]. Despite this, it remains a pivotal religious organization with ongoing pastoral, educational, and social missions. As of October 31, 2024, **Richard G. Henning** serves as Archbishop of Boston[1]. The Archdiocese continues to navigate complex contemporary issues, balancing tradition with modern pastoral needs, and remains influential in the religious, cultural, and social fabric of Boston and its environs. Notable aspects include its historical significance as the first diocese in New England, its role in immigrant integration, and its leadership in Catholic education. From a business and technology perspective, the Archdiocese represents a longstanding institution adapting governance, transparency, and community outreach in an era requiring digital engagement and institutiona

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