Contact: Peggy Nienaber, Faith and Action, 202-546-8329 ext 104, 202-236-0953 mobile

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 /Christian Newswire/ -- The first ever live Christmas nativity scene to include two camels and a donkey will be staged in front of the United States Supreme Court in Washington, DC, on Monday, November 22, 2010. The event is part of Operation Nativity and the Nativity Project, two programs that promote public Christmas displays during the Christmas season. Both programs are co-sponsored by Faith and Action and the Christian Defense Coalition.

This will be the second year live actors will appear in the manger scene, but the first year live animals will be included. The display will be staged in the form of a procession in front of the High Court and will become a stationary tableau once it reaches the front garden of the Faith and Action ministry headquarters building immediately opposite the Court's east facade.

The purpose of staging the event in front of the US Supreme Court is to demonstrate that such displays are protected by the First Amendment to the US Constitution.

Details:

What:
Living Christmas Nativity Scene with Live Animals

When:
Monday, November 22, 2010, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Where:
Procession begins at 11:00 AM in front of 109 2nd St, NE, Washington, DC 20002 and will last approximately 1 hour.

Characters in costume walk in a ceremonial fashion, singing traditional Christmas carols, along with animals. They will travel north along 2nd Street, NE, then west along Constitution Ave, NE (south sidewalk) to 1st Street NE, turn south and continue in front of the US Supreme Court (at approximately 11:15 AM) to corner of East Capitol, then return north on 1st Street, NE, (passing in front of court for a second time) to Constitution Ave, turn right (east), then right (south) on 2nd Street, NE. The group will set up a stationary manger scene in front of 109 2nd Street, NE, Washington, DC and close with a reading of the Christmas story from the Bible and traditional Christmas songs led by operatic singer Leah Crowne of Gettysburg, PA.

Who:
The Reverend Rob Schenck (pronounced SHANK), Evangelical minister to elected and appointed officials and president of Faith and Action, Washington, DC

The Reverend Patrick J. Mahoney, Presbyterian minister and director of the Christian Defense Coalition, Washington, DC

8 adult actors in biblical costume

2 live camels and 1 live donkey under control of a professional trainer

Leah Crowne, opera performer and instructor

Media are welcome to set up at start and stop points and / or  follow the procession.