Washington D.C., Oct 11, 2007 / 08:50 am
The Nativity Project, a movement encouraging faith communities to set up Nativity Scenes in front of their city halls, government centers, or state capitol buildings is preparing to begin its annual campaign.
The campaign is organized by two groups, Christian Defense Coalition and Faith and Action.
Reverend Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, lamented the erosion of religious freedom. He exhorted people of faith to remind public officials that "the Constitution promises freedom 'of' religion not freedom 'from' religion."
He also explained the goals of the project:
"'The Nativity Project' offers an opportunity for people of faith to enter the public square and share the glorious news of Christmas. And this is, 'Peace on earth, goodwill toward man.' It is essential that the faith community not be intimidated or discouraged into surrendering their God given First Amendment freedoms which offer to all Americans the right to publicly worship God free from government interference or harassment.
The Nativity Project will discuss their plans today at a news conference at the United States Capitol Building.