Remove Keep Christ in Christmas sign

Remove Political Ideology Sign From Nativity Display

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It has come to our attention that the City of Kelowna has once again requested the Knights of Columbus to erect a religious nativity scene in a downtown public park.

The Kelowna Atheists, Skeptics, and Humanists Association (KASHA) acknowledges that nativity scenes are part of a Christian folklore tradition associated with end-of-year celebrations. We also recognize that people of many faiths and secular perspectives celebrate this season with symbols such as lights, festive trees, and other decorative displays.

However, we take issue with the inclusion of signs on the site reading *“Keep Christ in Christmas.”* This message is not merely festive—it is political, advocating for a specific religious interpretation of the holiday.

It may appear inoffensive and inconsequential for the city to endorse one religion so overtly. But it is important to understand that this does impact people of other faiths, and people who have no religious beliefs. It makes them feel less Canadian.

By the City of Kelowna requesting a religious group to erect such a display, including this sign, the City of Kelowna is violating the principles established in the 2015 *Saguenay* decision by the Supreme Court of Canada. This ruling affirms the government’s duty to remain neutral and avoid privileging one religion over others. Allowing this sign on public property undermines the ideal of religious neutrality expected of government institutions.

We respectfully urge the City of Kelowna to remove the sign reading *“Keep Christ in Christmas.”* Private properties and places of worship are more appropriate venues for displays and messages reflecting specific religious beliefs. Public spaces, funded and maintained by all taxpayers, should remain inclusive and neutral of government endorsement or promotion of any one religious viewpoint.

We also encourage the City of Kelowna to refrain in the future from requesting or facilitating religious displays in public spaces. While public spaces allow organizations to express diverse views, it is not the government’s role to solicit such displays.

Sincerely,

Janice Selbie, Saturday Sazaran, Darrel Lewis, Joyce Kunzelman, Nina George, Wendy McLeish

Kelowna Atheists, Skeptics, and Humanists Association (KASHA)

Reference: City of Terrace bans Nativity Scene – https://www.terracestandard.com/news/city-bans-nativity-scene-from-city-hall-roof-6070315

UPDATE: The signs have been removed.

Listen to Nina’s CBC Interview of 20241212 regarding the Knights of Columbus sign at the Nativity display below.

It is time to finally let the City of Kelowna know our displeasure about the City requesting the Nativity display by the Knights of Columbus.

We have included the list of city councillors. Please write or call them. They have been getting complaints for years but still choose to privilege Christianity over other faiths and non- believers.

It is time to finally let the City of Kelowna know our displeasure about the City requesting the Nativity display by the Knights of Columbus.

We have included the list of city councillors. Please write or call them. They have been getting complaints for years but still choose to privilege Christianity over other faiths and non- believers.

City Councilors and Mayor contact info:

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