Church Nativity Displays Protest Immigration Raids: NPR

In a unique protest against immigration enforcement, churches in the Chicago area and Massachusetts have transformed their Nativity displays into powerful commentaries. Nativity scenes now depict the Holy Family in distressing scenarios, reflecting current issues surrounding immigration raids.

Churches Address Immigration Raids Through Nativity Displays

At Lake Street Church in Evanston, Illinois, a doll of baby Jesus has been placed in a manger, zip-tied and wrapped in a silver emergency blanket. Nearby, a figure of Mary stands with a gas mask, surrounded by Roman soldiers labeled “ICE.” This striking imagery aims to spotlight the fears of many families facing deportation and separation.

Creative Reshaping of Tradition

Other churches have followed suit, with an Advent display at Urban Village Church near an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility stating, “Due to ICE activity in our community, the Holy Family is in hiding.” Over a thousand miles away, St. Susanna Parish in Dedham, Massachusetts, saw the figure of Christ replaced with a sign reading “ICE was here.” These reimagined Nativity scenes have sparked mixed reactions, drawing both praise and criticism.

• Supporters assert that the Bible’s teachings advocate for compassion towards refugees.
• Critics label the displays as sacrilegious and politically charged, with some suggesting churches risk losing their tax-exempt status.
• Boston Archbishop Richard Henning has directed that such displays be removed from churches.

Context and Community Response

The timing of these displays coincides with intensified immigration enforcement, with federal figures revealing at least 2,000 arrests in Illinois and Massachusetts during September alone. Many churches aim to evoke emotion and spark dialogue about the community’s fears amid these actions.

Rev. Michael Woolf from Lake Street Church noted that Christmas is an opportunity for public art that communicates vital messages. Previous Nativity scenes at other churches also depicted Jesus in diverse situations, illustrating various social issues.

Opposition and Support for the Displays

Despite the backlash from church leaders and some parishioners, many activists continue to advocate for the Nativity displays, seeing them as a necessary reflection of modern struggles faced by their communities. They argue that addressing immigration concerns is crucial and aligns with the church’s teachings.

• The community of St. Susanna Parish, which has supported refugee families since 2019, emphasizes the importance of their message.
• Phil Mandeville, a member of the parish council, stated, “It’s not a stunt; we work on a daily basis with refugees.”

The polarized reaction to these displays highlights a complex intersection of faith, politics, and social justice. As the discussion continues, the congregations involved remain committed to their cause, underscoring the urgent realities confronting many immigrants today.