Guidance from FIC for getting a nativity or other religious symbol placed on public property

The Restoring Faith in America initiative and Family Institute of Connecticut encourage people of faith in Connecticut to learn about their rights, educate their community, and lead others in proactively exercising and celebrating their religious liberty.  This includes bringing expressions of faith—like nativities and religious symbols—back to the public square.  Below is a simple guide to help people of faith identify opportunities and locations in their communities to put up nativities and other religious symbols over the holiday season.  This post does not constitute legal advice but FIC can put you in touch with legal experts should you face resistance. 

General Guidelines

First and foremost we recommend beginning the tasks with prayer and humility.  It is important to approach decision-makers in a non-confrontational way and follow necessary processes and protocols, especially while standing firm in your religious freedom.   

Second, make every effort to start the process early and document events in writing at each step.  This includes saving emails and taking notes during calls and meetings.  For holiday displays, we recommend starting the steps outlined below in early to mid-October.  This allows enough time to get all the approvals you might need and raise any funds that could be needed to purchase the display.  

Lastly, this is merely a high-level guide based on what is common.  But we know that every community is unique.  So if you have additional questions or need support, please reach out to us at ppdirector@ctfamily.org.

Step 1: Identify where you would like to place your nativity or other religious display.  

  • Is this an indoor or outdoor display?
  • Has this location included a religious display in the past?
  • Do you live near Hartford, and would you like to try and get the religious display placed on the capitol lawn or inside the building?
  • Is there a city or public park that does an outdoor holiday display every year?  
  • Do you live near the courthouse and do they put up Christmas trees or other holiday decorations on the courthouse lawn and/or inside the building where you could add your display?  
  • Is there a public library that might have a display inside or outside where you could add your nativity or other religious display?
  • How large is the space?  This will help you determine what size display to donate.

Step 2: Once you have identified where you want to put the display, call or email that location and find out the approval process and who makes the decision.

  • Keep in mind that every place is different and has different rules.  The first person you call may not be able to answer your questions.  Be patient and ask questions until you get to the right person who can help.  If you can show up in person, you may find answers faster.  And if the location has a website, that can be a helpful resource.  For instance, sometimes, what goes up at a courthouse is under the jurisdiction of the state or another leader.  For displays on city property, it may be the mayor that makes the decision or the city council.  It could also possibly be a special committee that is charged with those decisions.  Whatever the case, there should be a process, it’s just a matter of figuring it out.
  • Confirm that the display you want to donate has not already been donated or planned for display.  If the location already has a display or plans to display, consider a different location or different display that you could donate.
  • We recommend that you plan to make the display a donation to the city, county or public entity so they don’t have to use public funds to purchase it.  If you plan to donate, be sure to make that known upfront. 
  • Some display applications require getting on a meeting agenda and making a short presentation to the commissioners or city council to get approval, so ensure you get that scheduled as early as possible.  

Step 3: Once you know who approves and what the process is, determine the size and cost of the display you want to donate and how much money you may need to raise.

  • Sometimes you may have to pay application or other types of fees to the public entity you are working with, so factor that into the total amount of money you need to put together.
  • If you think you need to raise funds for the display, begin to think who might like to help sponsor it.  Churches and other religious organizations are always a great option—as are civic groups you may be part of in your community.  
  • You may also want to include a sign or plaque identifying who sponsored the donation.  Make sure you get that person or entity’s permission before putting their name on it.
  • There are many online stores that sell nativities and religious displays.  Another great idea is asking a local craftsman or artist to make the display.

Step 4: Make your donation and install your display

  • Again, this may vary.  They may instruct you to just bring the display to them and they will install it, or they may require you to do it on a specific date and only allow it for a certain period.  Make sure you know what is expected and plan accordingly.
  • Once it is installed, please take pictures and share them with us at ppdirector@ctfamily.org.
  • You will also want to make sure you know the process for taking the display down.  Will you need to remove it?  Will it be something they will keep and put up every year, or will you need to get approval each year and bring the donation back?