pewforum.org Religion News on the Web
November 29, 2011

Chicago Tribune: RI's holiday tree upsets lawmaker, bishop; governor says it respects religious diversity

by David Klepper
Chicago Tribune

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The governor said Tuesday that lawmakers upset with his decision to call the blue spruce erected in the Statehouse a holiday tree instead of a Christmas tree should focus their energy on feeding the poor.

Calling the 17-foot-tall spruce a holiday tree is in keeping with Rhode Island's founding in 1636 by religious dissident Roger Williams as a haven for tolerance, where government and religion were kept separate, independent Gov. Lincoln Chafee said.

Read the complete story(Some news sites require registration)