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Church Nativity Features Trayvon Martin in Place of Jesus


December 31, 2013 | WMFE - A Southern California church nativity scene features Trayvon Martin in the traditional place of the infant Jesus. The church says it's an effort to stir a community conversation about gun violence.

The nativity scene on the lawn of the Claremont United Methodist Church just east of Los Angeles was created by congregant and artist John Zachary. In the scene, Trayvon Martin is depicted in a hoodie, slumped over and visibly injured.

Social media sites have erupted over news of the modified nativity scene. Some people who are critical of the display are calling it sacrilege.

In the past, Zachary has created similar installations addressing topics like homelessness and poverty.

The church's Reverend Dan Lewis says the scene featuring the South Florida teen whose Sanford shooting death captivated the nation was meant to be thought-provoking.

The installation is scheduled to remain on display through January 5th.

 

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