S.C. Firefighters Forced to Remove Nativity Scene

After charges that it illegally promotes Christianity with a nativity scene at Fire Station 12 in West Ashley, the city of Charleston removed the creche from display.

The Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation, which advocates separation of church and state, sent a letter dated Dec. 17 to Mayor Joe Riley and Fire Chief Thomas Carr notifying them of the city's Constitutional breach and requesting removal of the creche from the fire station. The letter expressed dismay that the problem has occurred for at least six years. A local resident had complained to the organization about the creche, the letter states.

"As you are aware, this display has been erected each year in December since at least 2004," wrote Freedom From Religion Foundation staff attorney Rebecca S. Kratz. "Last year's display included an illuminated Latin cross (the preeminent symbol of Christianity) atop the firehouse roof. We were pleased to learn that as of the date of this letter, the Fire Department appears to be honoring the separation of church and state by at least not displaying a Latin cross this year."

A large, white, illuminated cross was on display Sunday evening at the station, though no creche was to be seen. The nativity scene had been removed Thursday in response to the complaint, according to fire department personnel. The cross was leaning against a stone memorial to the nine firefighters who died in the 2007 Sofa Super Store blaze. It was not part of a Christmas display, firefighters at the station said.