Small town Christians fight against atheists over right to keep Jesus welcome sign

Residents from Hawkins, Texas battle over separation of church and state.

An atheist group keen on the tenet of separation of church and state sent a letter to city officials from a small city in Texas over the welcome sign that allegedly violates the doctrine. The Christian residents in the area are willing to make moves in support of the controversial welcome sign, urging legislators not to remove it from the current site.

MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - At the entrance to the city is a sign stating, "Jesus Welcomes You to Hawkins," which for the Freedom From Religion Foundation is a violation on the doctrine of the separation of church and state. However, for the residents of Hawkins City, they prefer the billboard be kept at its site since its erection during 2011, rather than transferring it to a private property.

The Christians gathered on Sunday, bringing in hats, signs and music, along with other public gestures to encourage support for the sign's retention.

"We decided that we need to stand up for the civil liberties of Christians in America to say we have as much freedom of speech as anyone else," said a Christian supporter Justin Lane in statement with the KYTX-TV.

The Hawkins mayor appeared to have agreed with the Christians, noting that the issue lies in whether the sign is on public or private property, which is being contested by the atheist group.

"The constitution is very clear about freedom of religion, not freedom from it. I think we have to stand up for the foundation of our country. I mean, we're built on God and Jesus. I'm sorry if people don't like that, but it's true," said Hawkins Mayor Will Rogers.

He explained that Jesus, as inscribed on the sign, does not pertain to one particular religion and figure but of the most popular man in the world.

"He's in Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism. He represents love and kindness."

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