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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region Forums'ICE was here': Massachusetts church displays message in Nativity scene

DEDHAM, Mass (WPRI) A Nativity display at a church in Dedham, Massachusetts, is sparking a debate.
The display outside Saint Susanna Parish now features a sign that reads ICE was here instead of the figures of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.
Below it, another message claims the holy family is safe in our church and instructs people to call a number if they see immigration agents.
The priest behind the setup said its meant to draw attention to people in need, while critics call it inappropriate.
Rev. Stephen Josoma created the scene, noting that its to get people thinking about how immigrants are treated, especially during the holiday season.
https://www.wpri.com/new-england/massachusetts/ice-was-here-massachusetts-church-displays-message-in-nativity-scene/
JBTaurus83
(802 posts)Should be doing things like this. There is nothing inappropriate.
summer_in_TX
(3,958 posts)Our church in a rural town in CentralTexas has signs declaring our property private, and that it will take a judicial signed warrant before we permit IC on our premises. We have added information to our website missions area about no Your Rights for immigrants and we printed up some of the red cards to distribute.
Our Bishop, Cynthia Harvey, has called on all United Methodist churches in the Texas and Rio Grande conferences to minister to immigrants. We wouldve done it without that call, because scripture demands that we treat immigrants as ourselves.
The Trump administration has done more to interfere with the rights of people of faith to practice their religion according to their conscience than any previous administration.
We are one of many denominations that are suing the government because of that.
That particular churches nativity display is terrific.
hoosierspud
(204 posts)Is taking a similar stand.
Amaryllis
(10,884 posts)Tanuki
(16,224 posts)Well worth reading in its entirety:
https://paxchristiusa.org/2025/12/03/ice-was-here-at-the-manger/
...."It is reported that ICE is specifically targeting churches this season from Thanksgiving to Christmas. It is also reported that that the majority of these deportations are of people who have no criminal records. People in our parish have known targeted people- one who served time in prison and led an exemplary life afterwards serving those re-entering society after being released from prison.
We also have had the privilege of assisting 10 refugee families resettle in the area since 2018 ( from Burundi, Afghanistan, Honduras, Guatemala and Myanmar). These families have all experienced trauma (witnessing family members being killed, etc.) and carry both physical and emotional scars that will be with them for a long time. They come seeking a place of safety, and a chance to heal and live their lives in peace. Assisting these families in resettlement and accompanying them on their journey has touched and transformed many of the members of our Refugee Resettlement Collaborative over the years.
Some of these people are now worried that despite following all the rules to date that the current administration is retroactively changing the rules and putting them at risk of being deported to places where they would face certain violence, if not death. (As I mentioned, one man has already died after being returned to his place of birth.)
Of course this is all being carried out by the masked men in unmarked cars. While they have not (yet) come to our church, they have been reported in Dedham removing parents from their children at school bus pick up spots while telling onlookers they are removing some bad people from the neighborhood.
As this brutality unfolds and becomes commonplace, we look to the promise of the peace Christ brings into the world at Christmas. We commit ourselves to the way of His nonviolent love to all people, particularly those on the margins of life who have been deemed expendable and whose dignity is denied. "....(more at link)
Wild blueberry
(8,030 posts)Admire this church and reverend. Thank you.
Ray Bruns
(5,855 posts)twodogsbarking
(17,135 posts)Retrograde
(11,357 posts)They were bringing expensive gifts- Donnie understands that
PatSeg
(51,651 posts)BOSSHOG
(44,295 posts)Valuing the blood of my brothers and sisters who died for those of you who criticize our constitution and its applications I pray for you.
God Bless and protect A Church in Dedham Massachusetts
Aristus
(71,421 posts)How long before ICE starts crucifying people?
OldBaldy1701E
(9,752 posts)But, they are rich people, so they are given an outlet for that.
The majority, who like the idea, get... no mention.
We get three direct quotes from the detractors, but only the person who set it up gets to weigh in on the positive side of the display.
Typical.
johnnyplankton
(584 posts)I wonder how long it will be before Trumpers mess with it. It's mixed politically but the "conservatives" are pretty reactionary.