Only three spaces remain for religious messages. Hunter Jameson, a spokesman for various churches, cried foul and alleged that the atheists were working in tandem. Since Jameson represents a collection of churches working in tandem, that may not seem such an outrage.
For 57 years, churches were free from competition for the spaces in the park for nativity. Now, they use a lottery system to be fair to everyone — leaving it to God or fate — depending on your views.
One of the winners is Damon Vix, who last year posted a sign quoting Thomas Jefferson: “Religions are all alike — founded on fables and mythologies.”
Jameson has demanded a “local preference” rule for residents of Santa Monica to push out atheists who live outside the city. The city attorney wisely rejected that effort.
Of course, St. Monica would understand. She was prohibited by a local bishop for continuing her practice of bringing “certain oratories, erected in the memory of the saints, offerings of porridge, bread, and wine” to public places for the faithful. Essentially denied a permit because it was used as an “occasion of gluttony.” Ultimately, Santa Monica was named by 18th century Father Juan Crespí who found a little spring (now known as Serra Springs) and named it Las Lagrimas de Santa Monica (“Saint Monica’s Tears”) for the tears that she shed for her impious son, Augustine.
If that does not offer solace, there is also the fact that the Nativity Scene occurred after Mary and Joseph were displaced from the Inn. Yet, a miracle occurred. Somehow this all fits . . .
Source: Boston as first seen on Reddit.
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