A proposal to erect statues of St. Michael the Archangel and St. Florian outside the Quincy Public Safety Building has sparked controversy. Mayor Thomas Koch announced the plan, choosing these saints as symbols for police and firefighters. However, the ACLU of Massachusetts has raised objections, claiming the statues violate the separation of church and state.
The ACLU’s stance has drawn attention for its unusual reasoning. In a letter to the mayor and city council, the organization expressed concern about the imagery of St. Michael stepping on the neck of a demon, likening it to the tragic death of George Floyd. This comparison has been met with criticism, as many believe it misrepresents the purpose and meaning of the statue.
St. Michael is traditionally viewed as a protector and a warrior against evil, while St. Florian is known as the patron saint of firefighters. Their depictions are common in religious art and public spaces across the United States, including in places like Washington, D.C. The ACLU’s argument seems to overlook the historical context of these figures and their significance in the community.
Critics of the ACLU’s position argue that the organization has a longstanding bias against religion, particularly Christianity. The ACLU was founded in 1920 by Roger Baldwin, who was openly atheist and did not include religious liberty in the organization’s early objectives. This history has led some to question the motives behind the ACLU’s current objections.
While Baldwin might have opposed the statue on church and state grounds, it is unlikely he would have equated St. Michael’s imagery with police brutality. Many believe this comparison detracts from the serious issues surrounding both the statues and the ongoing discussions about policing and justice in America.
As the debate continues, the city of Quincy must weigh the community’s values against the ACLU’s concerns. This situation highlights the ongoing tension between religious expression and secular governance in public spaces. The decision on whether to proceed with the statues remains to be seen, but it has certainly ignited discussions about faith, representation, and the role of public art in society.