From Fox News: A Massachusetts church is causing controversy with what’s missing from its annual Nativity scene and an accompanying statement.
St. Susanna, a Catholic church in the Boston suburb of Dedham, displayed a Nativity scene outside the church with an empty manger and a sign that says, “ICE was here,” followed by contact information for a group that monitors immigration operations in the state.
Father Stephen Josoma, the pastor at St. Susanna, said the church’s peace and justice group organizes a display annually. Josoma told Fox News that they, “try to see what would it be like if Christ was born into the context of the world today, what would he be facing?”
C.J. Doyle, executive director of the Catholic Action League of Massachusetts, said he was called by a parishioner upset by the display missing the Holy Family — Jesus, Mary and Joseph — and the statement.
A sign propped up on the display reads, “The Holy Family is safe in the Sanctuary of our Church. If you see ICE, please call LUCE at 617-370-5023.”
Josoma defended the stunt, claiming that with the Nativity scenes, they “try to see what would it be like if Christ was born into the context of the world today” and question, “What would he be facing?”
He described the Nativity scene as “religious art,” and claimed that its purpose is to “evoke emotions in people.”
Catholic Vote reacted in outrage, writing on X, “This is disgusting. Saint Susanna Parish in Massachusetts is displaying a Nativity scene with an empty manger and a sign that reads, “ICE was here,” along with contact info for a group that monitors local immigration enforcement. Stop using our religion for your activism.”
This is disgusting.
Saint Susanna Parish in Massachusetts is displaying a Nativity scene with an empty manger and a sign that reads, “ICE was here,” along with contact info for a group that monitors local immigration enforcement.
Stop using our religion for your activism. pic.twitter.com/c1JabTkXjx
— CatholicVote (@CatholicVote) December 4, 2025
Church in Massachusetts sparks controversy by displaying “ICE WAS HERE” sign in Navity scene, alluding that baby Jesus had been taken by immigration agents. https://t.co/Uzc3btGG6z #kwch12 pic.twitter.com/2hQdowKjaT
— KWCH 12 News (@KWCH12) December 4, 2025
The priest at a Catholic church in Dedham defended his parish’s decision to replace nativity figurines of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph with a sign reading “ICE was here,” saying the gospel is clear about treating immigrants with respect. https://t.co/lwlmpAktHc
— The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) December 3, 2025
“I think it’s very offensive.”
Catholic activist slams Massachusetts church’s Nativity scene for featuring an empty manger and an “ICE was here” sign as “politicizing Christmas.”https://t.co/FEFyD4xeIt
— Fox News (@FoxNews) December 3, 2025
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