Mark's Notebook


	Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. - Proverbs 16:8

Christians, atheists face off on town green

Middletown Press

Wednesday 22 December 2004, 3:44 pm
Keywords: Christian Topics , News Articles

By Randall Beach

MILFORD -- Hundreds of counter protesters who say they want to "keep Christ in Christmas," dwarfed a handful of atheists who gathered on the Green Sunday to protest a Nativity display.

The display is a wooden structure with a glass case showing a Nativity scene. At its base is a baby Jesus in a cradle. Next to the cradle is a sign: "This display is provided by the Hyatt family and not erected, maintained or sponsored by the city of Milford."

The counter-protesters sang Christmas carols and "God Bless America," then recited "The Pledge of Allegiance." Their signs ranged from "Keep Christ in Christmas" to "This is a Christian nation - majority rules."

The Rev. Jim Loomer, pastor of the Berean Christian Center, tried to make peace. "Would anybody care to hear what they have to say?" Loomer asked the crowd. The response was a chorus of "No!" and "Go home!" "They should let these guys speak," Loomer said. "It’s America. Free speech."

When Dennis Paul Himes, Connecticut state director of American Atheists tried to read a statement explaining his position, he was drowned out by the shouting opposition. Himes later said he was surprised by the size of the crowd. Six atheists and about 250 others showed up.

Counter-protesters wished the atheists "Merry Christmas" and sang "Jesus Loves You."

http://www.middletownpress.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=13589484&BRD=1645&PAG=461&de
pt_id=10856&rfi=6

Mark says: "Majority rules"? I thought that's exactly what "separation of church of state" was intended to prevent!