US, PA (The Christian Post): Despite complaints and threats of protest from an atheist group, a Pennsylvania mayor has followed through with his town’s annual Christmas tradition of displaying a Nativity scene in front of the Municipal building.

Hundreds gathered at Ellwood City’s borough building on December 2 to support the erection of the Nativity display, which was part of a 50-year tradition of the city, WCN (Westminster College Network) reported.

Last year, the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) in Michigan tried to break the ritual, accusing Ellwood City of endorsing Christianity.

The Foundation contended that the city violated the separation of church and state through the erection of the Nativity scene and threatened to protest as a result.

But instead of picket signs and angry protesters, dozens of Lawrence County residents gathered at the city hall carrying wooden crosses and signs that read ‘Jesus is the Reason for the Season’.

“I’m overwhelmed,” Mayor Tony Court told Ellwood City News. “This, all of this, is about Ellwood City, and as long as we all stay together, this Nativity scene will be here forever.”

Other religious and secular symbols surrounded the Nativity scene as a result of FFRF’s complaints but the mayor refused to erect a banner sent by the group. The banner read, “At this season of the Winter Solstice, may reason prevail. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.”

Mr Court said the banner violated the First Amendment and was “endorsing atheism”.