Catholic Pastor Refuses to Remove Anti-ICE Nativity Sign, Seeks Meeting With Archbishop
A Catholic parish in Dedham, Massachusetts, is refusing to remove a controversial anti-ICE Nativity display, even after the Boston Archdiocese formally asked for it to be taken down. The scene which replaces traditional figures like Jesus, Mary, and Joseph with a sign reading “ICE Was Here” has thrust a suburban parish into a wider fight about religion and politics.
The Archdiocese of Boston says the sign crosses a line by turning sacred symbols into “political messaging,” and insists Nativity scenes should foster prayer and worship. But at St. Susanna Parish, Father Steve Josoma has stood his ground, saying he won’t remove the display until he can meet with Archbishop Richard G. Henning to discuss concerns.
Confirmed facts: the display went up late Nov. 29, and includes a secondary sign telling passersby that “The Holy Family is safe in our Church” and giving a hotline number for reporting immigration enforcement sightings.
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The disagreement has sparked broader debate about how churches engage with current events. Opponents within the Catholic community call the scene “divisive” and inappropriate for a church setting, while supporters frame it as an expression of faith-based advocacy.
“I won’t take it down until I speak with the archbishop,” Josoma said, according to a parish press event.
The matter matters because it highlights tensions within religious institutions over political engagement during deeply symbolic seasons like Advent and Christmas.
Next steps include the expected meeting between Father Josoma and Archbishop Henning, where church leadership could escalate or seek compromise.
Still unresolved is whether the display will stay up through the holiday season.
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