Instead of an infant Jesus, the Nativity at Claremont United Methodist Church features a bloody depiction of Trayvon Martin.
Just like many churches at this time of year, you can find cutouts of wise men heading toward a meager where Mary and Joseph are huddled inside. But instead of baby Jesus, being cradled in his mother’s arms, the Nativity at Claremont United Methodist Church features a depiction of Trayvon Martin slumped over in his hoodie, a pool of his blood spreading over a bed of straw.
For several years, artist John Zachary has brought his interpretations of the Nativity, (as well as the occasional controversy) to the church. Over the last few years, his installations have touched on homelessness, poverty and acceptance of gay families.
Zachary said he wanted to draw a parallel between rampant gun violence and the dark time in which Jesus was born.
“He (Trayvon) was, in my view, an innocent child like the innocent children killed by King Herod,” Zachary, 57, said of Martin. “I think the Nativity has to be relevant to our time. I think Jesus is a symbol of hope and I think he has to be seen in today’s context.”
Ever since the Nativity got national attention, the church has been bombarded with phone calls, emails and Facebook messages.
The scene, which will remain in place through Jan. 5, has been blasted as “sacrilege” and an “abomination.”
Source: LATimes
