Orlando, FL - Seniors in Florida, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts will now celebrate Christmas after Liberty Counsel intervened. Liberty Counsel urges HUD and the DOJ to issue Christmas guidelines to prevent future religious discrimination.

Winter Park, FL - Seniors living in The Housing Resource Development Corporation facility were told neither they nor outside groups could sing Christmas carols. Following Liberty Counsel's demand letter, the facility reversed its decision. Jay Dyer, a resident, was very pleased. Yesterday the seniors began making arrangements to bring in Christmas carolers from local churches.

Mechanicsburg, PA - Residents were told by management at Bethany Towers that they could not display any religious decorations in any common area. Management removed nativity scenes and other religious decorations set up by the seniors and then issued a written directive. Even angels were removed from the Christmas tree. Following Liberty Counsel's demand letter, the facility reversed its position and issued a new directive that now permits residents to display religious Christmas decorations. Residents refer to some of the managing staff as "wardens" and one is described as "Hitler with a hangover."

Melrose, MA - Last year the Milano Senior Center removed a private display of a nativity pursuant to a policy of the Melrose Council on Aging regarding holiday and/or cultural celebrations, which states that "religious symbols, such as crosses, menorahs or nativity scenes may not be displayed." Liberty Counsel challenged the policy. Yesterday Liberty Counsel received an emailed opinion from the law firm representing the City of Melrose confirming that "the Council on Aging cannot refuse to allow [residents] to display a religious symbol at the Milano Senior Center". [T]he Council should allow the [residents] to display the crèche."

Mathew D. Staver, President and General Counsel of Liberty Counsel, stated: "My mother, who is 88 years old, now lives in our home after having spent several months in an assisted living facility. I have great compassion for the elderly, especially at this time of year. To see the elderly deprived of the joy of Christmas breaks my heart. We at Liberty Counsel are grateful to bring the joy of Christmas to these precious people. I call upon the federal government to issue Christmas guidelines designed to prevent religious discrimination that often occurs in these senior centers."

Partnering with Liberty Counsel

December is a very important month for year-end giving. You can make tax-deductible gifts to Liberty Counsel by (1) secure on-line credit card donations on our web site; or (2) postmarking mail-in contributions by December 31 to Liberty Counsel, PO Box 540774, Orlando, FL 32854. Contributions can be cash, check, credit card, real or personal property, or stock. For stock transfers call 1-800-671-1776. For online contributions donate by midnight on December 31. For additional information, call 1-800-671-1776.

Thank you for partnering with us and extending your reach. We look forward to seeing how God will work through this ministry and in our world. May you have a blessed New Year.

Become a Liberty Alert Sponsor of the Month. For details, please email [email protected] or call 800-671-1776. Our sponsor this month is:

Tevebaugh and Associates
Financial & Estate Planning from a Biblical Perspective
A full-service financial planning firm dedicated to serving followers of Christ
"Informing, Instructing and Equiping Believers in Biblical Stewardship Principles"
2020 Hwy A1A, Ste. 108, Indian Harbour Beach, FL 32937
tel: 321-777-2990 e-mail: [email protected]