Sunrise Service Ushers in 15th Annual Easter Celebration on Government Property in Chicago
April 17, 2022, will mark the 15th annual celebration of Easter on Chicago’s Daley Plaza with a sunrise service honoring Christ’s resurrection. This traditional observance of the Christian holiday will begin on Holy Thursday, April 14th, when a giant 19-foot-high cross will be erected on the Plaza at 50 West Washington Street. Thomas More Society has joined with Tapestry Fellowship and City First Foundation, along with private citizens Karl and Nancy Fritz, to co-sponsor the display.
Tom Brejcha is President and Chief Counsel of the Chicago-headquartered national public interest law firm. He explained the rationale behind the annual display:
“The Easter celebration represents a constitutionally protected expression of religious faith by private citizens in a public forum,” shared Brejcha. “It is an appropriate response to the concerns raised 38 years ago by the late Richard John Neuhaus in his book, The Naked Public Square. Neuhaus lamented that America's public places had been stripped and denuded of any references to religion or religious practices, as if it were somehow ‘undemocratic’ or ‘incivil’ to celebrate Christian holidays out in the open where others could bear witness. This is truer than ever in today’s ‘woke’ environment. People still have worries, fears, and troubles, and Christians believe that Jesus offers the hope to help all of us to address and answer those concerns.”
Brejcha emphasized that, “This Easter display is privately funded and sponsored, bereft of any government aid or endorsement, and therefore it is clothed and armored with the full protection of the First Amendment of our U.S. Constitution. Indeed, back in the late 80’s, former Chief Judge of our federal district court here in Chicago entered a permanent injunction against any discrimination against religion on Daley Plaza.”
Thomas More Society regularly assists groups and individuals across the country, defending their First Amendment right to express religious beliefs freely and openly in traditional and designated public forums. They serve in this capacity year-round, but especially during the Easter and Christmas holidays.
