SANTA MONICA, Calif. (WordNews.org) Nov. 29, 2012 – Faith groups here plan to apply for a permit to display a live Nativity scene in Santa Monica’s Palisades Park.

The application follows a recent U. S. District Federal Court decision banning Nativity Scenes and all “unattended displays” in Palisades Park.

However, the faith groups believe there are no prohibitions on “Live Nativity Displays.”

The groups plan to hold a news conference to discuss their plans today at 2 p.m. on Nov. 29.

The news conference will be in front of Santa Monica City Hall which is located at 1685 Main Street.

The goal of the organizations is to ensure that a Nativity Scene continues to be displayed in Palisades Park after nearly 60 continuous years as well as embracing religious freedom, the First Amendment and the message of Christmas.

The “Live Nativity Display” campaign is being led by the Christian Defense Coalition and Faith and Action which are both based in Washington, D.C. along with local Southern California Christians and pastors.

They also will be conducting a “Live Nativity Display” in front of the United States Capitol Building and Supreme Court next as well is in New York City in front of the FOX News Studios.

“Sadly, we are seeing an erosion of expressions of faith in the public square,” said Rev. Patrick Mahoney, director of the Christian Defense Coalition. “This is especially true during the Christmas Season. We must be constantly reminded that the Constitution promises freedom ‘of’ religion not freedom ‘from’ religion.
“After nearly 60 continuous years, it is critical that a Nativity Scene remain in Palisades Park,” he added. “We must continue to fight for religious freedom and the First Amendment as well as embracing the powerful message of Christmas which is; ‘Peace on Earth. Goodwill toward man.’”