Couch Cushions the Blow of Anti-Christmas Message

[Tony Perkins]

While there was no room for Jesus at the inn, it appears there's even less space for Him on government property. In a story making headlines across America, the season of peace has been anything but for several Oklahoma City employees whose boss circulated an "Anti-Christmas Memo" banning nativity scenes, crosses, angels, cherubs, and other religious symbols from city offices. Manager Jim Couch insists that his employees should "maintain neutrality" and "avoid promoting one religion over another."

Refusing to be intimidated, two workers filed a federal lawsuit with the help of the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF), rightly asserting that the city had violated their first amendment rights. Among other things, they object to the cancellation of the office's annual Christmas party, the removal of a Bible from a breakroom, and the removal of personal holiday displays.

When city officials learned about the suit, Couch back-pedaled, issuing a new memo to employees this week, claiming that his mandate only pertained to decorations in public areas not individual work spaces. The clarification did little to ease employees' minds, many of whom say they are more concerned about the "bigger picture." While Oklahoma City has backed off, plaintiffs Christopher Spencer and Kenneth Buck do not plan to return the favor. Yesterday, they told local reporters that they will proceed with the suit. As well they should! Nowhere in the Constitution does it state that men and women of faith must check their religious beliefs at the workplace door. Obviously, this is part of a meanspirited attempt to snuff out Christianity in the public square--an attempt that is, and will continue to be, a dismal failure.

Additional Resources
Christian symbols back on display in OKC office [AP]

[mikmik]

Re: Couch Cushions the Blow of Anti-Christmas Message

You know Dobins???

Praise First amendment rights, my brother.

Our rights are under attack. I shall fight for your cause. The Lord hath bestowed gov't. property for our righteous use.

[Pastor Billy-Reuben]

Re: Couch Cushions the Blow of Anti-Christmas Message

The Lord hath bestowed gov't. property for our righteous use.

Amen to that. The United States is a Christian nation. As George Washington said, "It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible."

There ought to be a nativity scene on every town square, a ten commandments placard in every courtroom, and a cross on top of every city hall. This is one nation under God. Atheists aren't citizens with rights.

Pastor Billy-Reuben