Briarcliff Tries to Solve the 'Holiday Display' Dilemma

November 25, 2007

Author: GARY STERN

Source: The Journal News

http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071125/NEWS02/711250342/1018

The holiday season is now upon us, a time of music and light, family and friends, wishes of peace and good will - and contentious debates about which religious symbols should be presented in the public square.

Is a simple tree enough? A Christmas tree and a menorah? Do you need a nativity scene? Should other faiths be represented? Would it be easier to scrap the whole thing?

"Tis the season for the culture wars," said the Rev. Timothy Schenck, rector of All Saints Episcopal Church in Briarcliff Manor.

Last year, it was the village of Briarcliff Manor that became a case study of how a community's attempt to reflect the major religious holidays on its town green can blow up in its holiday cheer.