The Archbishop of Boston, Richard Henning, is set to meet with Father Stephen Josoma, a priest from Dedham, to discuss a controversial nativity scene titled “ICE Was Here.” This display, located outside St. Susanna’s Parish, was unveiled shortly after Thanksgiving and features a notable absence of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, implying they are detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
Details of the Nativity Scene Controversy
The planned meeting will take place in January 2024, according to a spokesperson from the Archdiocese. Archbishop Henning expressed his intentions to first listen to Father Josoma’s perspective. “He was the one that asked to speak with me. I’d like to hear him first,” Henning stated.
Previous Statements and Background
St. Susanna’s Parish has earned a reputation for taking a stand on social issues through its nativity displays. In 2018, the church featured a depiction of baby Jesus in a cage. Father Josoma noted that the aim of the latest display was to spark dialogue about current societal issues.
Response from the Archdiocese
- The Archdiocese has insisted that the nativity scene be removed.
- They emphasized that worshippers should encounter genuine opportunities for prayer, rather than political messages.
- The Archdiocese affirmed that sacred objects should not be used for anything other than the devotion of God’s people.
In reaction to the nativity scene, ICE Director Todd Lyons criticized the display as “abhorrent” and stated it promotes a “dangerous and extremist narrative.” The ongoing discussion reflects broader tensions within the church regarding the intersection of faith and contemporary social issues.
