posted October 11, 2009
A Celebration Of Christmas & 1st Amendment Rights Regarding Religious Expression In The Public Square
On December 1st, 2009, the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee (SNSC) will again sponsor a display depicting the birth of Jesus Christ. For the second year in a row, the crèche--with figurines representing Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus--will stand in the State Capitol Rotunda Building in Springfield, Illinois.
In 2008, the SNSC made history when the Secretary of State's office provided a permit to the group, allowing the Nativity Scene to go on display. The crèche and manger scene stood in the State Capitol Building, in accordance with the U.S. Constitution which provides for such religious expression in the public square as long as such displays are privately-funded.
"Last year, we were excited about the Nativity Scene standing in the State Capitol Rotunda Building," said Dan Zanoza, Chairman of the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee. "I played a very small role concerning what turned out to be an historic project. My thanks go out to the Chicago-based Thomas More Society (TMS) which provided financial support regarding last year's and this year's display. Quite honestly, without TMS' assistance, on a number of levels, the Nativity Scene would not have been possible."
The SNSC's primary goal is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. A secondary mission of the group is to inform the public regarding the constitutionality of such a display.
"Many wrongly believe what we are doing violates the Constitution," continued Zanoza. "However, even groups that are hardly friendly and often hostile to the expression of religious faith in the public square--like the ACLU--acknowledge the Springfield Nativity Scene is constitutional."
There are those who have helped create the misperception displays like the Springfield Nativity Scene violate the alleged separation of church and state. Children in public schools no longer have to take courses in civics. Indeed, many would much rather keep the views of our nation's Founding Fathers hidden. For example, the words "separation of church and state" do NOT appear in any formal document drafted and signed by the Constitutional framers. The phrase is currently being misused to advance an anti-faith agenda by groups, including Americans United for Separation of Church and State, to mislead the public.
"As stated, our secondary goal is to inform and encourage citizens of Illinois and, for that matter, all Americans, that the expression of faith in the public square is still alive and well," added Zanoza. "I'm probably more excited about the 2009 Nativity Scene because we plan to make this an annual event."
The Illinois Secretary of State's office provided a permit in 2008 to a Wisconsin-based atheist group which posted a sign in the Illinois Rotunda Building which was critical of people of faith. The Illinois Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) plans to put up a tabletop display featuring a copy of the First Amendment in the State Capitol Rotunda Building this year, as reported by Kurt Erickson of the Bloomington Pantagraph http://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/article_6cb5244a-ad00-11de-be5d-001cc4c002e0.html
"I wonder if the ACLU has ever read the Constitution," stated Zanoza. "The expression of our personal faith should not be prohibited in any way. The ACLU has a right to express their opinion as well, even though I believe their interpretation of the First Amendment is flawed."
The Chicago-based Thomas More Society will, once again, provide financial and legal support for the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee. Thomas Brejcha, the President of TMS, has a long history defending the religious liberty of Americans. Brejcha has argued cases in front of the United States Supreme Court. Brejcha and the Chicago-based Thomas More Society won a landmark decision in a case titled, "Planned Parenthood vs. Scheidler" and Brejcha's group has been victorious regarding a number of cases with state and national significance.
"We are truly blessed to be supported by the Thomas More Society," said Dan Gura, an SNSC member. "The work of the Chicago-based Thomas More Society is legendary and that's an understatement. I cannot properly express my appreciation for everything Brejcha and TMS has done to support the Springfield Nativity Scene--both this year and in 2008."
The Nativity Scene will be unveiled at 12 noon on Tuesday, December 1st, 2009. Entertainment celebrating the Christmas season will be provided that day by the Joyful Senior Singers & Ringers from the Tabernacle Baptist Church of Decatur. An invocation will be given by the Rev. Nancy Cahalan of the Grant Fork United Church of Christ.
The Nativity Scene will stand in the Capitol Rotunda from Dec. 1st until Christmas Day.
"Of course, the Nativity Scene is made possible through public support," said Arlene Sawicki, SNSC Fundraising Chairman. "I encourage not only Illinois residents, but all Americans to send a financial contribution to the SNSC. It would not be a stretch of the imagination if one day our constitutional right to erect similar displays were taken away from us. Your contribution to the SNSC will help send a message to all regarding expression of faith in the public square. And, of course, we have to pay the bills. All proceeds will solely be used in support of the Springfield Nativity Scene. The SNSC is an all volunteer organization and donations will be used strictly to offset costs, including unpaid expenses from last year's display, the 2009 Nativity Scene and--depending on the generosity of the public--donations will help the SNSC in the future."
Anyone wishing to donate to the SNSC should make their check or money order payable to the "Springfield Nativity Scene Committee", make a notation on the memo line reading "Thomas More Society" and mail to: SNSC c/o Daniel Zanoza, 904 21st St., # 71, Lincoln, IL 62656.
Caption for 2008 AP photo: Springfield Nativity Scene Committee member Julie Zanoza, left, shows off the privately funded nativity scene to Dannyl Madura, right, inside the entrance of the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield on Tuesday. For the first time in state history, a nativity scene is on display inside the Capitol. According to law, any expression of religion on government property must be funded and constructed by the private sector. The nativity scene will be on display in the lobby of the Illinois State Capitol Building from Tuesday until Dec. 28, and is funded by The Springfield Nativity Scene Committee. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)
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