A Wisconsin-based foundation threatened to sue the village over the display of a cross used in Christmas decorations. The Freedom from Religion Foundation said the village's Holiday Cross is "unconstitutional."A cross used as part of the Alsip's holiday decorations for three decades won't be put up this year, according to a letter posted on the village's website.
The letter from Mayor Patrick Kitching states a Holiday Cross decoration used annually on the West Water Tower, located on West 119th Street, won't be installed. The cross has been part of a nearly 35 year tradition for the village.
The Wisconsin-based Freedom from Religion Foundation threatened to sue the village over the symbol, the Kitching's letter states.
"I am very saddened by this and had hoped we would not have to change tradition," Kitching states in the letter. "However in these economic times, the village cannot afford to waste any tax dollars on a lawsuit that simply cannot be won."
A staff attorney from the Freedom from Religion Foundation wrote the Alsip in December 2011, objecting to a display of a cross on village property. By putting up a Latin cross, Alsip is demonstrating a preference for Christianity over other religions, the organization argues.
The "fundamental principle" of the Establishment Clause in the First Amendment, says the government can't "advance, promote or endorse religion," the foundation's letter states. Displaying the cross demonstrates "government endorsements of Christianity, a blatant violation of the Establishment Clause."
The letter cites cases brought against other municipalities where federal courts supported the idea that a Christian cross is a religious symbol, according to the foundation's letter. It mentions bringing a lawsuit against the Town of Whiteville, Tenn., over a similar matter.
"No court of final resort has ever upheld the government's permanent display of a Christian cross on public land as constitutional," the letter states.
Alsip chose, instead, not to "waste taxpayer dollars to fight a losing battle in court," according to the village's letter.
Dear Alsip Residents and Business Community,
A tradition for almost 35 years here in the Village of Alsip is coming to an end. You will notice this year our holiday decoration on the West Water Tower (Holiday Cross) will not be erected nor lit. We have an organization out of Wisconsin, Freedom from Religion Foundation, who is threatening a lawsuit for having a holiday symbol that can be construed as a religious decoration. It is considered to be unconstitutional. Other municipalities have been brought to suit regarding this very same issue and have lost. We have chosen not to waste taxpayer dollars to fight a losing battle in court. The holiday cross will be replaced with a different holiday decoration in the future, however, I am not sure this process can be completed in time for Christmas of 2012.
I am very saddened by this and had hoped we would not have to change tradition, however in these economic times, the Village cannot afford to waste any tax dollars on a lawsuit that simply cannot be won.
Thank you for your understanding.
Have the happiest of holidays.
Sincerely,
Patrick E. Kitching
Mayor
2011 Letter from Freedom from Religion
2012 Letter from Freedom from Religion
The letter from Mayor Patrick Kitching states a Holiday Cross decoration used annually on the West Water Tower, located on West 119th Street, won't be installed. The cross has been part of a nearly 35 year tradition for the village.
The Wisconsin-based Freedom from Religion Foundation threatened to sue the village over the symbol, the Kitching's letter states.
"I am very saddened by this and had hoped we would not have to change tradition," Kitching states in the letter. "However in these economic times, the village cannot afford to waste any tax dollars on a lawsuit that simply cannot be won."
A staff attorney from the Freedom from Religion Foundation wrote the Alsip in December 2011, objecting to a display of a cross on village property. By putting up a Latin cross, Alsip is demonstrating a preference for Christianity over other religions, the organization argues.
The "fundamental principle" of the Establishment Clause in the First Amendment, says the government can't "advance, promote or endorse religion," the foundation's letter states. Displaying the cross demonstrates "government endorsements of Christianity, a blatant violation of the Establishment Clause."
The letter cites cases brought against other municipalities where federal courts supported the idea that a Christian cross is a religious symbol, according to the foundation's letter. It mentions bringing a lawsuit against the Town of Whiteville, Tenn., over a similar matter.
"No court of final resort has ever upheld the government's permanent display of a Christian cross on public land as constitutional," the letter states.
Alsip chose, instead, not to "waste taxpayer dollars to fight a losing battle in court," according to the village's letter.
Dear Alsip Residents and Business Community,
A tradition for almost 35 years here in the Village of Alsip is coming to an end. You will notice this year our holiday decoration on the West Water Tower (Holiday Cross) will not be erected nor lit. We have an organization out of Wisconsin, Freedom from Religion Foundation, who is threatening a lawsuit for having a holiday symbol that can be construed as a religious decoration. It is considered to be unconstitutional. Other municipalities have been brought to suit regarding this very same issue and have lost. We have chosen not to waste taxpayer dollars to fight a losing battle in court. The holiday cross will be replaced with a different holiday decoration in the future, however, I am not sure this process can be completed in time for Christmas of 2012.
I am very saddened by this and had hoped we would not have to change tradition, however in these economic times, the Village cannot afford to waste any tax dollars on a lawsuit that simply cannot be won.
Thank you for your understanding.
Have the happiest of holidays.
Sincerely,
Patrick E. Kitching
Mayor
2011 Letter from Freedom from Religion
2012 Letter from Freedom from Religion
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