Board nears OK for seasonal decorations
By Michael Cox/ Townsman Staff
Thursday, November 10, 2005

With a lawsuit hanging over their heads like mistletoe at Aunt Edna's Christmas party last year, the Board of Selectmen took steps this week to make sure it doesn't find another a bag of coal in its stocking this year.

The board tentatively approved a new seasonal policy that would allow religious groups to display holiday decorations - including a menorah, a crescent and a Christmas tree and wreaths - at Town Hall.

"I think we need to celebrate our differences and not be threatened by them," said Harriet Warshaw, chairman of the Board of Selectmen.

Warshaw explained that the policy is consistent with a Supreme Court ruling that states items such as a menorah can be considered a secular holiday symbol when placed among other holiday symbols, such as the wreaths that have traditionally hung at Town Hall.

Last November, Rabbi Moshe Bleich of the Wellesley-Weston Chabad Center fought the town for the opportunity to hold a menorah-lighting ceremony outside town hall. Bleich threatened to sue, and town officials eventually agreed to allow the ceremony to take place.

With news this week that his congregation can place a menorah on town property without a controversy, Bleich said he was delighted with the town's newest policy.

"Seeing their religious display at Town Hall gives people something to smile about," he said. "Like the expression goes, all's good that ends good."

Warshaw explained that the items would go up at the same time and come down at the same time, and she hoped they would be roughly about the same size.

Selectman David Himmelberger, who had previously objected, said that he was satisfied with the policy. Two weeks ago, Himmelberger cited the difficulty in balancing one religious figure against another and suggested that it might be better to eliminate holiday symbols altogether, with the exception of white lights.

This week, however he said he would vote to support the town policy over his personal concerns because it is consistent with a Supreme Court ruling of 1989. "The law recognizes secular symbols can be displayed on public property, and I believe we should follow the law of the land," he said.

Warshaw said the policy would only apply to Town Hall and the boards under which the selectmen have authority. However, she hoped that other department would follow the selectmen's lead.

Warshaw also invited other major faiths besides the Christian, Muslim and Jewish traditions, who have already expressed interest in putting a display on town hall, to contact the selectmen if they wish to do the same.

In drafting the policy, the selectmen invited leaders of various faith traditions together last week to discuss the approach. Those representing the Muslim, Jewish, Catholic, Episcopal, Unitarian and Quaker congregations in town attended the meeting.

"I think we have the support of religious leaders," Warshaw stated.

Father Tom Powers of St. John's Church said he is pleased that the town is trying to give the various faith communities some sense of expression. He said he was satisfied that a Christmas tree and wreaths would represent the Christian faiths.

"I think it's a very good thing," Powers said. "It shows a sprit of welcoming and a spirit of mutual appreciation among the religious traditions and on the part of the town."

In his comments, Selectman Owen Dugan said he felt the policy treats everyone fairly and equally. No selectmen objected to the policy at this week's meeting.

Warshaw said the selectmen would likely take a final vote on the matter next week.