Atheist messages displace park nativity scenes

Atheist messages displace park nativity scenes

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (AP) — Atheist messages have displaced most Christmastime nativity scenes erected for nearly six decades by a coalition of Santa Monica churches in Palisades Park.

Fourteen of the 21 park display spaces have traditionally illustrated the story of the birth of Jesus Christ in the ocean-view park during the holidays.

But atheists have claimed all but three of the spaces because of a new city lottery system.

The Santa Monica Daily Press reports churches had little or no competition for 57 years. But 13 individuals bid for spaces this year, forcing City Hall to use a random lottery system to allot the spots.

Secularist Damon Vix helped American Atheists Inc. and the Freedom From Religion Foundation populate the Palisades Park display spaces.