Church Sues County, Wins Right to Let Its 'Lights' Shine
by Allie Martin
November 24, 2003
(AgapePress) - A Florida church will be able to display a religious message in an annual countywide holiday light display.Calvary Chapel of Fort Lauderdale wanted to enter a display in the annual "Holiday Fantasy of Lights," a two-mile light festival that takes place at Tradewinds park in Coconut Creek, Florida. The church wished to have a display that consisted of a cross and words "Jesus is the Reason for the Season." Calvary Chapel also agreed to pay $15,000 to sponsor the display. But Broward County officials rejected the display because of its religious message. The church then contacted The Rutherford Institute, which sued the county.
Recently, a federal judge has ordered county officials to permit the church's display. Rutherford Institute president John Whitehead says the decision is a victory for the First Amendment.
"If you're going to have public displays with different businesses or different groups, you cannot discriminate against the Christian organization that wants to be part of these kinds of displays during Christmas or other times," the attorney says. "I think it's a very strong ruling -- it sends a message across the country that you have to be fair and be sure [not to] discriminate against religious people."
According to Whitehead, the case is not unique. "Every year, we receive hundreds upon hundreds of calls from public schools [and] from people who want to have Nativity scenes in front of public courthouses," he says. "The problem is that this discrimination is rampant -- and this kind of case sends a message that they can't do it."
The Holiday Festival of Lights draws 250,000 people during its two-month run, which started November 22. Last year, Calvary Chapel officials wanted to enter a display with the words "Remember Him." That entry was also turned down by county officials. A compromise design included the words "God Bless America."
