Catholic New World: Newspaper for the Archdiocese of Chicago

Daley Plaza Crèche, 2015

For 31 years volunteers from area parishes - who refer to themselves as the God Squad - have set up the Nativity scene each year around the start of Advent. This recreation of the scene of the birth of Jesus has been the sole religious expression of Christmas on a government plaza in downtown Chicago for over three decades. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the final order, issued in January 1990, protecting religious freedom and allowing the downtown Chicago Christmas Nativity to continue.

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Hiram and Joronda Crawford of Israel Methodist Community Church in Chicago sing and dance to Christmas carols during the opening day for the outdoor crèche.

Photo: Karen Callaway / Catholic New World