Contact: Rev. Patrick Mahoney, 540-538-4741; Rev. Rob Schenck, 703-447-7686

WASHINGTON, Dec. 4, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- The display is part of "The Nativity Project" which is a nationwide campaign to share the message of Christmas and also to confront the erosion and hostility toward public expressions of faith especially during the Christmas Season.

The Nativity Scene, sponsored by Faith and Action and The Christian Defense Coalition, will be held on Wednesday, December 5, at 10:30 A.M.
 
The groups will meet at 109 2nd Street NE (right behind the Supreme Court) at 10:30 A.M., for a news conference to discuss religious freedom and "The Nativity Project."

There will then be a processional with the live animals and actors, in front of the Supreme Court and past the U.S. Capitol Building which will end back at 109 2nd Street.
 
The "Live Nativity Scene" expects to be on the public sidewalk in front of the Supreme Court around 11:00 A.M.
 
Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, states,

"Sadly, we are seeing an erosion and hostility toward public expressions of faith in the public square. This is especially true during the Christmas season.

"'The Nativity Project' is a reminder that our Constitution provides freedom 'of' religion not freedom 'from' religion.  By encouraging people of good will to publicly display Nativity Scenes all across America, we are not only supporting religious liberty and First Amendment freedoms but we are loudly proclaiming the powerful message of Christmas.

"That timeless message needs to be heard now more than ever: 'Peace on earth and goodwill toward man.'

"Our hope and prayer is that many will secure permits, as we did in front of the Supreme Court, to display nativity scenes in front of public buildings all across our nation and also to place them on the lawns of their homes.

"Simply stated, if we are granted a permit to display a Nativity Scene in front of the United States Supreme Court, then every person out to be able to display one in their own community."

Rev. Rob Schenck, President of Faith and Action, adds,

"The traditional creche, portraying Mary, Joseph and the Christ Child, along with angels, shepherds, Wise Men and animals, remind us of what Christmas is all about.

"The fact that we have been granted a permit to hold this 'Live Nativity Scene' in front of the Supreme Court ensures the right for every American to set up these public displays in communities all across America.

"We like to refer to this effort as keeping Christ Mass in the nation's Capital and throughout the nation."

For more information or interviews call:
 
Rev. Patrick Mahoney at  540.538. 4741
 
Rev. Rob Schenck at  703.447.7686