Catholic Priest Cancels Nativity Scene So As Not to Offend Muslims

A Catholic priest in the northern Italy city of Cremona called off a Christmas nativity scene, saying the Christian display of faith – the reason for the season – could offend Muslims.

The display was set for a small local cemetery. But Fr Sante Braggie, expressing unease about those of other faiths who were buried at the site, said the Christian nativity scene would be out of place.

“A small corner of the cemetery is reserved for Muslim graves,” he said, the Express reported. “A crib positioned within sight of them could be seen as a lack of respect for followers of other faiths, hurt the sensibilities of Muslims, as well as Indians and even atheists. In short, it would be a mess.”

Braggie also blamed lack of available manpower for an inability to set up the display. Specifically, he said there was a shortage of council workers who could construct the crib.

From the Express:

“Fr Oreste Mori, Fr Braggie’s predecessor, said, ‘Seriously? I can’t believe it.’

“According to a report in the Italian newspaper Courier della Serra, he said: ‘We cannot renounce our culture and traditions.

“‘That would be an unpardonable weakness.’

“‘I am, for the time being at least, in Italy, not Saudi Arabia.’”

Others in the region also slammed Braggie’s decision, calling for him to change his mind and even apologize.

The Express:

“Councillor Cristina Cappellini said: ‘I hope Fr Braggiè changes his mind and apologises to the community.

“‘A parish priest should preserve, honour and promote the symbols of our culture, of our traditions, of our Christian identity.’

“The local chief of the right wing Northern League Pietro Burgazzi said: ‘I hope the decision not to put up a crib was not ideological, but hearing the criticisms it seems that it was.

“‘I want to stress the importance of the Christmas crib as a sign of Christian witness, which is always appreciated by the people of Cremona.’”