Keep Christ Out Of Christmas: Atheists Force Alabama Town To Drop ‘Keep Christ In Christmas’ Parade Theme


The small town of Piedmont, Alabama, recently faced heightened controversy over a debatable religious aspect of the annual Christmas parade. Apparently, atheists were not pleased with the town’s decision to use the theme “Keep Christ In Christmas” for the big parade.

The town reportedly wanted to highlight the concept of “the reason for the season,” but was met with opposition by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. On November 24, the Wisconsin-based atheist organization reportedly sent a letter to town officials requesting that the theme of the parade be changed. Andrew Seidel wrote the complaint on behalf of the organization.

It stated that the parade theme “alienates non-Christians and others in Piedmont who do not in fact have a ‘strong belief in prayers’ by turning them into political outsiders in their own community,” Seidel wrote. “The sentiment of ‘Keeping Christ in Christmas’ does not qualify as a secular celebration.”

Although the organization strongly opposed the idea, Mayor Bill Baker expressed his support of the theme.

“It was a great theme,” the mayor said. “I was totally shocked when I received the letter. It’s a small town. It’s a small Christmas parade. We didn’t think there would be any problems at all.”

According to Fox News, an attorney representing the city cited that the theme was a violation of the law, so parade coordinators were ultimately forced to change the theme. However, that didn’t stop local citizens from making their beliefs known. Many people reportedly found a way around the FFRF’s debate. Mayor Baker weighed in with his perspective of the ordeal and the public’s response to the theme change, reports ABC-3340.

“This anti-religious group that started all this stuff, I really believe this has backfired on them,” Mayor Baker said. “What has happened now is the city of Piedmont, great city to live in, great people, has rallied. They have caused our parade to be bigger and better with more emphasis placed on Christianity. There’s people in there wearing t-shirts that are of a religious nature. It just went crazy, out of sight, in a positive way, and I’m so excited.”

Do you feel Christ should be kept out of Christmas? Share your thoughts.

[Image via Fox News]

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