Nativity supported by First Amendment

I was very glad to see the article, "Nativity scene coming to state Capitol for first time in two decades," by Joseph Ryan Nov. 18. Outside the Capitol building in Springfield, Baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph will be displayed proudly - with room for other organizations to present their holiday messages as well. It is often believed that there needs to be an absence of all religion in the government and public, but this should certainly not be the case.

The First Amendment to the Constitution states "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ..."

Therefore, all Americans have the right to practice any religion of their choice, and the government is not allowed to interfere with these beliefs. Many may argue that sharing the religious scene in front a government building is an establishment of religion; however, this is not true because it is simply an expression of faith, and other religious symbols can be displayed there as well.

I was pleased to read that a primary reason of displaying the Nativity scene was to encourage communities to do the same. Perhaps America will begin to better represent freedom of religion - not freedom from religion. Religious symbols do not have to just be limited to the home or private institutions. Hopefully, religion in public will become less taboo. After all, isn't the freedom to express our beliefs and ideas what America is all about?

Gina Bartindale

St. Charles