Christians Will March on Boca Raton City Hall to Demand Creche Placement

A band of disgruntled Christians plans to make a nativity scene at Boca Raton City Hall on Friday.

Mark Boykin, senior pastor of the Church of All Nations, will lead a procession of church members and city residents to make a formal request that a Christmas creche be displayed alongside the menorah at City Hall.

Boykin said the noon gathering will call attention to "discrimination" by the city. He said officials are doubly wrong when they contend that the Jewish menorah is a secular symbol and that the Christmas tree, which is also displayed, adequately reflects Christian tradition.

Citing a series of recent judicial rulings, Boykin said the menorah symbolizes a miracle that is recognized in Judaism as the religious symbol of Hanukkah.

What's good for Jews in heavily Jewish Boca Raton ought to be good for Christians, creche advocates say.

"The U.S. Supreme Court has clearly stated that it is legal to display nativity scenes in public buildings," said Anthony Verdugo, executive director of the Miami-based Christian Family Coalition.

The city says a creche, donated by a local Catholic Church, is set up at Sanborn Square Park but that one has not been allowed on City Hall grounds for several years.

Following up on last year's creche protest, Boykin and Verdugo promise "more direct action this year."

Mayor Susan Whelchel did not immediately return a phone call from Sunshine State News seeking comment.

The city released this statement Thursday afternoon:

"The city of Boca Raton celebrates the holiday season by having displays in the lobbies of public buildings in a manner consistent with Supreme Court and other judicial rulings. These displays are city-owned decorations and are comprised of a Christmas tree, a menorah, and a 'Seasons Greeting' sign, and may include garlands, winter decorations (such as snowflakes and snowmen), and/or lights.

"Although the city does not accept donations of holiday decorations for the lobbies of city buildings, individuals, groups, religious institutions, and others are encouraged to erect decorations in the center of the downtown area in the citys Sanborn Square Park, located on Federal Highway just north of Palmetto Park Road. Sanborn Square Park serves as a First Amendment, free speech area for the city."