The nativity in front of the Toledo Fire Department was replaced on Thursday with a Santa Claus display. The nativity was temporarily moved to private property after a letter was received from the Freedom From Religion Foundation. As long as a secular display is also included, the city is free to place the nativity. PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS

The nativity scene at the Toledo Fire Department was placed back in the front yard last Thursday, along with a display of Santa Claus and a reindeer.

Mayor Brian Sokol said it is clear secular displays would have to accompany the nativity in accordance with United States Supreme Court decisions.

“I feel confident the issue is resolved, but also appreciate it being brought to our attention,” he said. “I am glad we were able to find a solution to get the nativity placed back where it belongs. It’s a long-lasting tradition in our community and something we should be proud of. The feedback and support has been unbelievable, literally coming from all over the country.”

Last week, the City of Toledo received a letter from the national nonprofit Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), stating the nativity needs to be removed from the public property out of respect for the First Amendment and for the diversity in the small town and contending that it violated the concept of religious neutrality. In response, the nativity was temporarily moved to private property half a block away.

FFRF attorney Samantha Lawrence, who authored the letter, said she was informed of the nativity replacement at the fire department on Thursday.

A Santa Claus display graces the lawn of the Toledo Fire Department. It is the new accompaniment of the longstanding nativity scene. PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS

Even though the letter did not state secular displays needed to or should be placed, Lawrence said the replacement of the nativity with Santa would suffice. As a result, the FFRF is not planning any further action at this time. However, she said that could always change.

“We maintain the government should not have any religious displays, but if the local government has a holiday display, there needs to be inclusivity, a variety of viewpoints,” Lawrence said. “Technically, they complied by putting up the secular display beside the nativity.”

The nationwide response the FFRF has gotten as a result of the letter has been mixed, she said.

“There were quite a few negative responses, but we knew that response would be forthcoming,” Lawrence said.

The removal of the nativity from public property, where it had been placed for the last 15 to 20 years, sparked an outcry from the community. A record number of Toledo residents attended the city council meeting the following Monday to voice their opinion on the donated display.

The FFRF sent the letter after being notified of the nativity by Justin Scott, the founder of Eastern Iowa Atheists, who does not live in Toledo. He was driving through the town on his way to an archery tournament in Tama.

Scott said he did get some heat for not being a Toledo resident.

“The Constitution does not care what zip code the complainer is from,” he said.

Scott previously told the newspaper his intention was not to remove the nativity completely. His suggestion was to include secular items, such as Santa Claus or candy canes. He referred to the updated fire department holiday lawn as “version 2.0.”

“I am happy cooler heads prevailed, that they were guided to the Constitution and did not go the other way,” Scott said. “In the end, it is what was wanted.”

While he said he does not speak on behalf of all atheists, he believes religion needs to stay out of the government. Scott heard about the city council attendees at the meeting and was curious about some aspects.

“Not all 2,000 residents were at the city council meeting. A large percentage did not show up,” he said. “It makes me wonder what the insistence was about (the nativity being) at the fire department. Was it just because it was there for 20 years? If so, that makes sense. But there was a rage, which I don’t understand. I wish people were that passionate about feeding starving children or housing the homeless. This rage was about wooden ornaments and dolls. I hate to mock, but there are questions about Christianity that are not answered.”

After news of the nativity controversy got out, Scott said he did get primarily positive responses from fellow atheists, and even from some Christians who want their belief to remain private. He referenced Matthew 6:6 — “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Scott added he hopes the city is prepared for the possibility to welcome more religions than just Christianity, as they might have opened a “Pandora’s box.”

“If the Satanic Temple of Iowa, who had a display in the Capitol, comes knocking and wants to put something up, I hope they are ready,” he said.