A South Carolina town committee has voted to keep a public Nativity scene in place, defying objections from the town’s mayor and reaffirming the Christian roots of Christmas. The decision has drawn national attention as communities nationwide debate faith, tradition, and public expression. Local officials supporting the display said the issue is about honoring the birth of Jesus Christ, not politics.
The dispute unfolded in Edgefield, where the town’s Events Committee voted unanimously to maintain a Nativity scene on public property during the Christmas season. The display has been part of the town’s holiday celebration for years and features traditional imagery depicting the birth of Christ.
Mayor George Coleman raised concerns about potential legal issues tied to displaying religious symbols on government property. He reportedly questioned whether the Nativity scene violated constitutional principles and suggested it could expose the town to lawsuits. The committee rejected those concerns, noting that the display has coexisted with other holiday decorations and has not previously sparked legal action.
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Committee members said the Nativity scene reflects the town’s values and history. One member stated the display is “about the birth of Jesus,” emphasizing that Christmas is a Christian holiday with religious meaning that should not be erased from public life. Supporters argued that removing the Nativity scene would amount to hostility toward Christianity rather than neutrality.
Residents packed meetings and voiced strong support for keeping the display. Many said faith-based traditions have been steadily pushed out of public spaces under pressure from activists who oppose religious expression. They argued that allowing a Nativity scene does not prevent others from celebrating differently.
Legal experts have noted that courts have historically allowed Nativity displays when they are part of broader holiday celebrations and not used to promote a specific church. The Edgefield display reportedly includes secular decorations, which strengthen its constitutional footing.
The decision highlights a broader cultural divide over faith in America. As Christmas approaches, the town’s Nativity scene remains standing, serving as a public reminder of the holiday’s Christian origins and a symbol of resistance to efforts to remove religious traditions from civic life.
This article originally appeared on American Faith and is reposted with permission.
