Boston archdiocese asks church to remove ICE Nativity display

The Archdiocese of Boston on Friday called on a local Catholic church to remove its Nativity display that pushed a political message in Jesus’ place. St. Susanna Parish erected a stable filled with shepherds and wise men, but with Mary, Joseph, and Jesus missing. In their place was a sign that said Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers had been there. The archdiocese said the Catholic Church’s norms prohibited the use of sacred objects for purposes other than worship, according to a statement in the Boston Herald.

C.J. Doyle, executive director of the Massachusetts Catholic Action League, said the display was a publicity stunt that politicized Christmas. Rev. Stephen Josoma, the pastor of St. Susanna Parish, had used the Nativity to communicate various political messages for years, according to the Catholic Action League.

The archdiocese’s statement against the display was the first time it had criticized such behavior, according to the Catholic Action League. The change came just over a year after the installation of Archbishop Richard Henning, the league noted.

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