Rally on Saturday in Athens to Back Nativity Scene

ATHENS (AP/Staff) – Ministers and other backers of a Christmas nativity scene outside the Henderson County Courthouse have announced plans to rally Saturday. The Athens Daily Review reports hundreds of supporters, on social media sites, say they’ll be at the courthouse square in Athens. The holiday display also includes snowmen, reindeer and Christmas trees. Pastor Nathan Lorick of First Baptist Church in Malakoff says attendees are being asked to show attitudes of peace and love. County officials this month received a letter from the Freedom From Religion Foundation. The group asked that the nativity scene be removed and seeks to put up its own banner. County Judge Richard Sanders says the county is complying with federal law and the nativity scene will remain.