Nov 16, 2011
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A South Carolina cancer center that gave Santa Claus the boot has reversed its decision, but said they will ban any Christmas decorations that are religious in nature – including the Nativity.
The Hollings Cancer Center in Charleston, SC, created a firestorm of yuletide controversy after they told a volunteer that he would not be allowed to dress up as Santa Claus.
A spokeswoman for the cancer center told Fox News & Commentary that because of their state affiliation, they had decided not to have a Santa presence. There were also some complaints from patients.
“A volunteer had dressed up as Santa and some folks complained that they felt excluded – or that their beliefs didn’t line up with this,” Hollings spokeswoman Vicky Agnew told Fox News. “In an effort to honor as many of the cultural and ethnic beliefs that we see here in South Carolina, we thought we would downplay a Santa presence this year.”
Their Santa ban lasted about two days – on Wednesday – they reversed course.
“Perhaps we stumbled here,” Agnew said. “We are very well aware that Santa is not a religious figure, but we are a state institution and we wanted to tone down the overt commercial and any religious aspects to it.”
Frank Cloyes, the volunteer who played Old Saint Nick, told the Post and Courier newspaper that kids love the character.
BANNED!
“Santa is a tradition and everyone loves him,” he told the newspaper – wondering where “political correctness and overregulation will end.”
“We’ve gotten a lot of strong and passionate responses,” Agnew said. “At the heart of any decision we made is really what we hope will be beneficial to the patients – their health and their emotional well-being.”
So Santa gets a reprieve – but religious-themed Christmas decorations do not.
“That still stands,” Agnew said. “We’ve got a diverse population here and a lot of folks celebrate the season differently – or don’t celebrate it.”
Hollings will not allow any religious symbols – at all.
“No Nativity scenes,” Agnew said. “We’re a state institution. We can’t do that anyway.”
She said the decoration rules were meant to protect patients.
“It was our attempt to try and be non-controversial and have folks who come here for treatment maybe not be distracted,” she said.
She said the hospital does have an “Angel Tree” – to help underprivileged children. The cancer center will also be able to have wreaths and garland.
If the reason to ban Santa was to not offend patients – why did they decide to reverse the ban?
“You know, that’s a really good question,” Agnew told Fox. “I think what we’re going to try and do is not only allow Santa, but also take pains to acknowledge the other holidays that are celebrated at this time. We have to really evaluate this.”
FOX News Talk
My dad loved playing Santa at the Hollings Cancer Center and volunteered there for a few years.
It's kind of disturbing that people and companies use the term "multiculturalism" to defend their reasons to take away anything resembling Christianity. Yes companies like Best Buy and others gladly use the terms "Al-Hijra" or other religions on their December flyers like they did in 2010. But take off anything that says "Merry Christmas". I'll tell you why. The devil has blinded people into thinking they need to be afraid of displaying their religious beliefs for the sake of not offending anyone. It's interesting how Christianity is the only one to get dismissed. And when a company does that they can look at their holiday sales and they get hurt by doing so, because there is no blessing in taking away "Christ" out of Christmas. You just cannot do it. Make sure you tell everyone "Merry Christmas!" this season. Don't be fooled by the words "multiculturalism" and back away from being bold!
Jeremiah, this is one of the best posts i have read. I tell people that tell me Happy Holidays that i am offended, and that i am a "Merry Christmas" girl. if they even answer the phone "Happy Holidays" (companies/stores) i do not do business there. thank you Jeremiah. gonna have to call Best Buy now.
Thank goodness we still have people like you that will take a stand. You are so right, they will NEVER take Christ out of Christmas. Thank you.
Jeremiah:
You realize that Best Buy is a private company, and as the lady stated the hospital in this article is a "state institution." You are comparing two totally different situations… Why?
I would not stay in, nor want treatment from any provider or hospital that doesn't proudly display everything Christian & proudly announce the fact they love God…I'm sick of this country's views on this especially. We are the United States of AMERICA, not United States of Islam, or any other "religion". GOD BLESS AMERICA!
you go girl!!!
uhhh Santa is most certainly a Christian religious figure. Leftists get stupider by the hour.
Where exactly does Santa fit in as Christian? What faith would he be? Do you know the history of Santa Claus? Children all over the world know of a Santa, or Kris Kringle, Sinter Klaus, on and on, no matter what, But as Christians we need to teach our children the meaning of Christmas, the birth of our Lord , then let the kids enjoy the excitement of Santa, I know I did.
Kathy Mayhew – Santa Claus is an English alteration of St. Nicholas. He was a bishop in Turkey in the very early years of Christianity. He was known for helping the poor especially the children, was dearly loved by them and was eventually martyred for his faith. I raised my children knowing who the real St. Nick was, we NEVER did the commercialized version. Please, learn the history of your own faith!
Connie L. Hedges That's really nice, and I knew that bit on St Nick, there are so many different versions in all countries, lets not lose sight of the real reason for the season, it is spelled Christmas after all, May I say God Bless everyone and have a very Merry Christmas this year
Kathy Mayhew I know perfectly well what I am talking about. Saint Nicklaus is a CHRISTIAN SAINT. The point I was making and seems to escape you is that the leftists are clueless when it comes to religion and Christianity. They allowed Santa but exclude a Nativity on the false premise that Saint Clause is not religious. My point is that Saint Nicklaus is a Christian saint and is certainly a historical religious figure. But hey, that's me.
Jesus Christ is the savior of the world. I know that better than anyone I know except my wife. The world (and most of Christianity) is clueless about that truth.He was not born on December 25th. Christmas is a (man made) traditional holiday to mark the birth of the Christian's savior.
Kathy Mayhew I know perfectly well what I am talking about. Saint Nicklaus is a CHRISTIAN SAINT. The point I was making and seems to escape you is that the leftists are clueless when it comes to religion and Christianity. They allowed Santa but exclude a Nativity on the false premise that Saint Clause is not religious. My point is that Saint Nicklaus is a Christian saint and is certainly a historical religious figure. But hey, that's me.
Jesus Christ is the savior of the world. I know that better than anyone I know except my wife. The world (and most of Christianity) is clueless about that truth.He was not born on December 25th. Christmas is a (man made) traditional holiday to mark the birth of the Christian's savior.
Just because they are not in the bible does not mean they are not religious figures in Christianity. Many of the holidays (holy days) are religious in history. St. Patrick's Day, St. Valentine's Day, All Saints Day, All Hallows (saints) Eve, Christmas with St. Nicklaus are just a few. Christmas is a strictly Christian Holiday recognized by the United States as such. Every time the word 'Happy Holidays' is used they actually affirm the religiousness of the day. It is so stupid that people take these things for granted and have no clue how ignorant they are. In fact, Christmas is the only recognized American (day off) holiday that has no secular origin. Not withstanding Thanksgiving, which is arguably religious, all American holidays aside from Christmas and New Years Day are American inventions. Christians and leftists are far too emotional on these issues. Christmas has been Americanized, so what? Some people love Jesus and most people love toys. I love Jesus and toys. Be grateful that Christmas, which is a religious invention is recognized as a national holiday and stop whining when the liberals hate it. Its a victory for the Christmas lovers.
I am SO tired of these politically correct idiots!
How can saying Merry Christmas hurt anyone? This whole thing is really getting out of hand. I will say Merry Christmas a thousand times if I want to say it in public or private. If it hurts someone's feeling that's just too bad.
Because when people complain about Christmas Christians don't stand up for what they believe in. That's why?
Robert Martin: I do! and always will stand up for my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Richard Schivley I'm glad you do. But most do not. That's why we are where we are.
Richard Schivley I'm glad you do. But most do not. That's why we are where we are.
Robert Martin you are exactly right…that is the main problem. Christians are too afraid to stand up for their rights!
Yesterday , I went to Target, as I walked into the store there was a large banner announcing "Merry Christmas"! I went to the service desk and thanked them, asked them not to let anyone "bully" them into taking it down and told them as long as it stays up I will shop there. I did not find what I was looking for…an outdoor Nativity Scene. I can not find one anywhere. I suggest we all get Nativity, Merry Christmas, keep the Christ in Christmas and the like tee-shirts or sweat shirts and where them whenever we go out. If you don't have a Christian store near you there are plenty on line. Show the world and the atheists that we will not be silenced. I highly doubt these retailers will stop us from spending our money in their stores while we wear our beliefs!
Hobby Lobby has some Nativity sets.
If the administrators of this insitution were consistent they woudl have to drop the word Christmas since Christmas is a religious word meaning Christ's mass of the worship of Christ. Maybe they could go with "Happy Holidays" – oh they can't use that word since holiday is a word which means Holy Day. Damn it is so hard to get away from God.
Okay I should learn to type. would for woudl, Christ mass or the worship of Christ,
Liberals are the problem.
2012. Solve the problem.
Here's the real problem with our country: 2 Chronicles 7:14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Denise Sims Gallichio, check out Ecclesiastes 10:2(NIV) states: "The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left."
We are teaching our kids to believe in lies as soon as we teach them about a Santa who never existed, but was fashioned after a man. Christ WAS a real person, NOT an impersonation! Think of it: We teach kids that Santa is real and then when they "figure it out" we tell them that he is just a "fun" figure. The same with the Easter Bunny. Another lie. We try to water down the Christian truths of the Bible with man-made make believe characters. Is it any wonder they follow after lies when they get older. Good old mom and dad taught them to lie from the beginning. Shame on every person who calls themselves Christians and teaches about Santa —more than they emphasize the real reason of Christmas. Even the Word Christmas is not a secular word. the word Christmas means: Christ (the anointed One) and mas (Celebrate). The word is read from right to left: Celebrate the anointed One!
Let's see. Christmas IS the celebration of the birth of Christ. How would you feel if, on your birthday, people had a party to which you were not invited, gave presents to everyone except you, and then told you that they were not allowed to mention your name because it was offensive to some? To those who are offended by the Creator of this world, I am offended that you feel I should keep my beliefs to myself and not expose you to them. Please reciprocate and keep your beliefs to yourself. I intend to celebrate CHRISTmas this and every year.
I'm with you Nancy, I'm getting a bit tired of all the attacks on Christianity, and I will fight for my faith till the end, No other faith has more attacks than ours, makes one wonder what the big scare is all about and why the name of Jesus Christ should be so offensive,
I'm with you Nancy, I'm getting a bit tired of all the attacks on Christianity, and I will fight for my faith till the end, No other faith has more attacks than ours, makes one wonder what the big scare is all about and why the name of Jesus Christ should be so offensive,
AMEN
This country was built on Christianity. This is an on going problem. They take away from the majority because a few in the minority get offended. Well if your offended move to a non Christian Country. I, as a Christian would not use Hollings Cancer center. I would travel hundreds of miles to go to a Christian Hospital than to go to a non Christian hospital. They keep trying to take Christ out of our lives. This is a violation of our Civil Rights of freedom or Religion. Some day the people making these decissions will have to face their maker. See if they try to take God out of heaven.
Without JESUS, YOU DON'T Have Christmas. We are so afraid that we might offend someone that we forget the real reason for the season. Businesses are more worried the almighty dollar that they "forsake" the one who came to save us from our sins. Remember this, there are alot of christians out there who shop and spend money just like the muslims and if they boycotted your stores, your stores would lose alot of money. Maybe the christian should find stores that celebrate the seasons need to shop at places that honor the "reason for the season". The next store you go into that doesn't say Merry Christmas, say it to them and if it offends them, say it again and remind them Jesus was born and died for them. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE IN ADVANCE and if this offends you, what do you think God is going to say to you on Judgement day? You will seriously be offended.
Would they stop observing MLK day because most of their patients aren't African-American? Their logic is FLAWED!
They won't allow nativity scenes or other religious decorations because some patients aren't Christian…
Santa's is not necessarily Christian…. and the "Nativity Scene" is generally wrong since the Magi didn't come to the manger, but about 2 years later to a house. But I do see your point. The banning thing is all out of whack and geared to shut Christians up/out.
Response from Vicky Agnew ~ The Hollings Cancer Center cares for cancer patients from all walks of life and endeavors to make all patients feel welcome, respected and comfortable under our care. When we discussed not having a Santa presence this year, we were actually responding to previous complaints from patients with other holiday beliefs who felt excluded.
We strive to make all of our decisions with the best interests of our cancer patients in mind. Considering the passionate response from our patients and the community, we have therefore decided to allow all traditional holiday activities reflecting all beliefs, including Santa, because we recognize the emotional benefit to patients.
We appreciate and thank all of our volunteers for their time and thoughtfulness. They are a crucial part of the care we offer.
Thank God, and All of His names for sending His Son as a sacrifice for All mankind. It doesn't really matter what denomination or religious belief you have, just believe in a Greater Power than we who are flawed and selfish and mean and whatever else the human flesh can tarnish. Who is Santa anyway and why was he used to spread Joy and Peace? Because we would all fall for a chubby white haired jolly person and he would be accepted by people. What was the Basic reason we needed someone? Because we couldn't save ourselves, and we needed a Savior. I have no heaven or hell to give to anyone, but I would rather live in a way to be a blessing to others, than to die and not ever do anything for anyone including myself. Now is the perfect time for John 3:16. Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year.
The Hollings Cancer Center in Charleston , S.C. has banned all Christian symbols this year. I thought
we were a Nation of religious freedom? Is this holiday to become "Mas Day" when they take "Christ".
out of it? How will we keep track of the years as 2011AD marks two thousand and eleven years since.
the Birth of Jesus? Will history books now be reworked to remove any reference to this actual event?
Nothing new under the sun! Jesus is still hated and rejected by his creation.
Wake up America it's time to worship the Creator – JESUS! The benefits are eternal life..
When the Cancer Centers put CHRIST BACK IN CHRISTMAS I WILL MAKE A DONATION. UNTIL THEN DON'T ASK ME.
I take great offense to them NOT allowing a child to show his belief in Jesus Christ. The ONLY way to Heaven is through the Lord, Jesus Christ. We need to be more aware of whom we are giving our hard earned dollars to and NOT support the businesses and retailers that refuse to acknowledge Him! This is all predicted in The Holy Bible and it will only get worse from here… eventually, if you are not branded with the mark of satan, 666, no one will buy your goods and you will not be allowed to purchase anything… shame on them and do not be afraid to shout your Love for Him! He will provide for all of His Children. If you refuse to acknowledge Him here, He will not know you on that day when you stand before God! God is Great!