Many of you are familiar

Many of you are familiar with this story, it made national news; but here is a brief background for those of you who aren't. Every year the city of Denver holds a "Parade of Lights" parade during the "holiday season". This past year a local church requested to place a float with a mild Christian theme. There was not going to be bible thumping, evangelistic, religious radicals, just a simple Christmas float. The City of Denver denied entry for this float stating that religion had no place in a holiday parade. Below is the AP update on what has now become of this story.;)

DENVER (AP) - The Mile High City's annual Parade of Lights will likely allow a few religious-theme floats when the event returns later this year. The Denver Post reports the development in today's editions, citing sources familiar with a draft version of the new parade policy. The Downtown Denver Partnership organizes the parade as a private event to help promote the city. But coordinators were heavily criticized last year for refusing to allow a church to enter a Christian-themed float. Officials cited a long-standing ban on religious themes during the event. But outgoing partnership president Jim Basey tells The Post that up to two of the 40 entries could have a religious theme this year. Basey confirms the plan also calls for a canned food and coat drive for the needy, and allows for some Christmas caroling in designated areas. --- The parade policy was re-evaluated after organizers denied a request by George Morrison, pastor of Faith Bible Chapel in Arvada, to enter a float with people singing secular Christmas songs and traditional hymns. After the parade last year, officials with the Downtown Denver Partnership met with Morrison and a handful of other religious leaders to discuss changing the policy.

**Just Because You Have The Right To Do Something Does Not Mean That It's The Right Thing To Do**

Posted by Stacy at March 3, 2005 02:33 PM | TrackBack