"Keep Christ in Christmas" Banner Issue Draws Lots of Local Reaction

(New Braunfels, TX) --  NBU’s removal of two banners, paid for by the local Knights of Columbus, reminding drivers on Seguin Ave. to “Keep Christ in Christmas”  has stirred up a lot of local reaction, from those who both agree and disagree with the move. 

NBU announced this week that those banners were taken down after they realized the signs were more religious in nature and not for a non-profit group advertising an upcoming fundraiser.  NBU says that beyond the requirement for government entities to adhere to the separation of church and state, the banners violated their own policy restricting banners that don’t advertise local fundraising events. 

They point out that while one message may be strongly supported by many in the community, another message may prove to be just as strongly offensive, and that’s why their internal policy is to avoid such controversies.

But the lapse in that policy has led to exactly that…a controversy.  More than 200 KGNB listeners either recommended or shared the story on Facebook yesterday, many of them posting their opinions on the KGNB Facebook page.  Those opinions ranged from upset, to indignant, to indifferent.  Most weren’t thrilled with NBU’s decision, citing a national climate that often takes the religious message out of the holiday season.  Others understood NBU’s position, even if they didn’t like the decision.  And others were happy the banners were taken down, saying that they support a more inclusive holiday message.

There has been talk of a demonstration in support of the Knights of Columbus and their “Keep Christ in Christmas” message.  That gathering is expected to happen at 4pm on the Main Plaza downtown.  Supporters say they will be collecting food for the SOS Food Bank while passing out candy with “Keep Christ in Christmas” tags. 

Meanwhile, NBU says they are currently reviewing their policies and procedures to make sure another lapse like this one doesn’t happen again.  To leave us your opinion, just log on to http://facebook.com/kgnbam.