Religion

Tree lighting event backfires for organizers

The Wesley Chapel event keeps Santa, but not Jesus. Some miffed Christians cry censorship.

By LISA BUIE, Times Staff Writer
Published November 30, 2007

WESLEY CHAPEL - All Jason Wilson wanted to do, he said, was build community spirit in a place occupied mainly by newcomers who travel somewhere else to work.

What better way to do that, he and his colleagues at the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce thought, than to sponsor a tree lighting during December?

The committee pictured families circling the tree, oohing and ahing as it illuminated the new county park.

But the chamber is a business organization open to members of all religious faiths or no faith. And the park is supported by taxpayers.

Chamber members wanted to be inclusive. They billed the event as a holiday tree lighting. Santa was in; Jesus was out. However, their effort to please everyone has backfired with some Christians who feel miffed that their religion is being censored.

"Why call it a holiday tree in a town named after a historic British evangelist?" asked the Rev. Paul Burdick, a reference to John Wesley. Burdick, pastor of Wesley Chapel Church of the Nazarene, called a couple of his fellow chamber members.

He said he was told it was to be a nonfaith based event.

Burdick compared the event to an auto show that doesn't mention certain models of cars.

"A Christmas tree by another other name still remains a Christmas tree," said Burdick who posted a picture of a lighted evergreen on his church Web site and asked visitors to vote on whether it was a Christmas or holiday tree. Burdick said he and his flock will be good citizens and "not do anything radical," though he is considering a T-shirt. "I'm not trying to come off as some sort of heated, irate Christian conservative bozo," he said.

Wilson said he understands Burdick's concerns and got some other e-mails from people concerned that Christmas carols would be banned.

"I think it's a misunderstanding of the event," he said.

Performing groups, which include churches, will be allowed to sing whatever they please, though Wilson said he doesn't "want anybody to bring a cross and carry it on his back."

The chamber, however, will not lead songs with religious references.

"We're not excluding anyone. But we are not endorsing one faith over the other," Wilson said.

As for the tree, it will have nonsectarian ornaments.

"We're not going to put a cross on it or angels," he said.

The tree lighting planning committee includes a pastor, who said he supports the event as it is.

The Rev. Jeff Olsen of Grace Community Church said he would personally prefer Christmas, but holiday was an acceptable name.

"It doesn't exclude Christmas," said Olsen, whose children's group plans to sing carols.

"I think this will be one of most appreciated and anticipated events of the year."

He said the program includes a note to audience members to enjoy groups they are most interested in hearing and respect groups that have beliefs that differ from theirs.

Rabbi Yossi Eber, whose chabad is holding a public menorah lighting Wednesday night in New Port Richey, said he appreciates the chamber's attempt to be inclusive. However, he is not offended at the idea of a Christmas tree, as long as other groups are allowed to bring their symbols.

"I do believe Christmas is being censored (in society)," he said. "People are trying to do away with religion, and I don't think that's a good thing."

Eber said events should celebrate diversity rather than try to suppress it.

Christmas and Hanukkah may use different symbols, but share a common theme: Both are festivals of lights aimed at making the world a better place.

"Why focus on things that separate us when we could focus on things that bring us together?" he said. "I think there's room for everyone."

Lisa Buie can be reached at buie@sptimes.com or (813) 909-4604.

If you go

Tree lighting event

The Wesley Chapel holiday tree lighting is from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday at the county park on Boyette Road. Admission is free. The event also includes free refreshments, performances by bands and children's choirs. For information, contact the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce at office@wesleychapelchamber.com or (813) 994-8534.

[Last modified November 30, 2007, 07:06:19]