Nativity Scene on Courthouse Lawn Raises Concerns

RUSK � The nativity scene holds a special place in Christians’ hearts, especially during the Christmas season. “It symbolizes life, our second chance at life, because it’s the night that Christ was born,” said Nancy Rangel, a Christian in Cherokee County. But KETK reports that for Daniel Ross, it doesn’t represent his beliefs. He is a Humanist, and emailed Cherokee County about placing a secular display adjacent to the manger scene. “I’m not offended by the nativity scene, I’m more offended by not having the opportunity to be represented, not having my belief represented here,” said Ross. “I think we’ve got a really nice display it’s very tasteful. We’ve got four entrances to this courthouse, we’re not trying to force the religion on anyone,” said Cherokee County Judge Chris Davis.

Noel Franks is a Christian who lives in Rusk and owns a business in Jacksonville. Although he wouldn’t mind a secular image on the courthouse lawn, he is tired of this yearly fight. “It bothers me, because the longer it keeps going, and if you don’t take a stand about something you believe in, the longer it keeps going, the worse it’s going to get,” said Franks.

Other than one commissioner voicing her personal opinion, the county has yet to respond directly to Ross’s request. Judge Davis also a received a letter from the Appignani Humanist Legal Center in Washington, D.C., stating the courthouse lawn is not a public forum, and the display should be taken down immediately. “Cherokee County sees no legal obligation to remove the nativity scene,” said Davis. The organization also wants written assurance the scene will never be put up again. “Hopefully this goes to a more acceptance of diversity, so that everyone will be accepting if they do allow this to be an open forum and if not, then hopefully we’ll follow the Constitution,” said Ross. “I don’t think we’re violating anyone’s rights in any way and we’re gonna continue to have this display. We’re not gonna take it down,” said Davis.

The organization “Keep Rusk Beautiful” does all the Christmas decorations downtown, including the courthouse lawn. The letter sent to Judge Davis asked him to respond within seven days.