A Chicago-area congregation that describes itself as “progressive Christian” is facing widespread backlash after unveiling a nativity display that depicts the baby Jesus as an illegal alien, zip-tied in a cradle.
The display also includes figures modeled after Roman soldiers serving as modern Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents standing nearby.
Lake Street Church of Evanston is led by Rev. Dr. Michael Woolf.
It is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA.
The radical church says the display is intended to “reimagine” the biblical story through the lens of modern immigration enforcement.
The church describes its theology as “progressive” and notes that it “cherishes its non-creedal tradition.”
The installation replaces a traditional depiction of the Holy Family with a scene presented as “forced family separation.”
According to the church, the display is meant to draw “direct parallels between the Holy Family’s refugee experience and contemporary immigration detention practices.”
The scene attempts to “reimagine” the Holy Family as illegal aliens who are being arrested for their crimes.
In an explanation accompanying the nativity, the church states that the goal is to challenge viewers to “confront the disconnect between professed religious or moral values and immigration policies.”
Emergency-style thermal blankets are included to symbolize materials used in federal detention facilities.
The centerpiece is a representation of baby Jesus with zip ties around his wrists.
Accoridn gto the “woke” church, it is meant to reference a reported incident earlier this year in which children were allegedly zip-tied by agents during a raid on a Chicago apartment building.
“A stark reminder that enforcement terror does not discriminate by documentation status,” the display text reads.
The figures portraying Mary and Joseph are shown wearing gas masks.
The church says the masks symbolize “the documented use of tear gas and other chemical weapons deployed by ICE agents against peaceful protesters, journalists, and community members advocating for immigration reform.”
However, there is no “documented use” of “tear gas and other chemical weapons” being used in this way.
The nativity has generated significant criticism online from Christians and community members.
Many say the display distorts a sacred religious scene for political messaging.
Church leaders have not indicated any plans to remove or alter the installation.
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