Christians resist as city demolishes iconic cross: ‘We won’t go silently’
Christians in Albany, California, Fight to Restore Historic Cross
Residents of Albany, California, are engaged in a passionate battle to have a cherished historic cross reinstated in its original location after it was callously torn down.
Following years of legal disputes between the city council and the Albany Lions Club, the cross was finally removed on June 8.
Kevin Pope, the president of the Albany Lions Club, spoke with Fox News Digital about the fight over the 52-year-old cross.
“The members of the city council and some others really hate what it stands for,” Pope stated.
Albany native Dorena Osborn revealed, “There were lies actually brought up against the cross saying that it had affiliation with the KKK.”
She further explained: “And there’s an atheist group that really hates the cross. And so they got people on city council and spread the lies.”
The cross was erected in 1971 on privately owned land by a Lions Club member, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
A few years later, the land was sold but the club was granted an easement to maintain the cross on top of the hill.
Pope told Fox the cross is a symbol of love, as God sent his son down to “live with us, die for us, and to take our sins upon us.”
“Christians are called to be ambassadors for Christ, ambassadors for love. We want peace,” Pope added. “We don’t want to fight about this.
“We are not against the city of Albany, but we are against the city council, the current city council.
“We don’t want division, but they are bringing division, and it’s a small group of people that are doing it.”
Pope said the fight isn’t over as “we’re not gonna walk quietly into the night,” and they will continue to try to undo the removal of the cross.
Evangelist Franklin Graham commented on X regarding the issue, “Christians who live there want to bring it back—and I hope they can!”
After 50 years, the city council of Albany, California, had a 28-foot tall hilltop cross taken down because they didn’t like what it stood for. The cross had been maintained by the local Lions Club for decades. Christians who live there want to bring it back—and I hope they can!…
— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) August 3, 2023
He included 1 Corinthians 1:18: “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
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The post Christians Fight Back After City Tears Down Historic Cross: ‘We’re Not Gonna Walk Quietly Into the Night’ appeared first on The Western Journal.
How does the removal of the cross spark a larger debate about the preservation of historical landmarks?
They can! God bless the Lions Club and those fighting to get this cross back. https://t.co/kUWXwMI8Hj
— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) June 13, 2021
Support for the reinstatement of the cross is not limited to Albany. People from all over the country have rallied behind the cause, expressing their solidarity with the Christian community in Albany.
One Twitter user wrote, “This is so sad and wrong. We see the same hatred against MY religion almost daily. Pray for our nation.”
Another user shared, “Stand strong, my friends! Many out here support you and love you! God ԅbless you as you stand for our Lord!”
The removal of the cross has sparked a larger debate about the preservation of historical landmarks. While some argue that the cross is a symbol of Christianity and its removal is an attack on the faith, others believe that the cross represents a violation of the separation of church and state.
However, for the Christian community in Albany, the cross is more than just a religious symbol. It is a cherished piece of their history and a representation of their faith. Its presence on the hilltop has served as a reminder of God’s love and sacrifice.
Despite facing opposition, the Christian community in Albany remains hopeful and determined to have the cross reinstated. They are committed to standing up for their beliefs and fighting against what they perceive as an unjust act.
As the battle to restore the historic cross continues, it raises important questions about the value of religious symbols and the protection of historical landmarks. It also highlights the need for open and respectful dialogue between different faith communities and secular institutions.
Ultimately, the outcome of this fight will not only impact the Christian community in Albany but also set a precedent for the preservation of religious symbols and the freedom of expression for all faith communities across the country.
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