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Last modified: 12/20/2011 12:00:00 AM
As people of faith in America prepare for the holiday season, we would do well to remember that freedom of religion is a fragile thing, even in a democracy. The mayor of Nazareth Illit, an Israeli town with a population of 40,000 and a 7 percent Arab Christian minority, decided to ban the public display of Christmas trees. Calling Nazareth Illit 'a Jewish city,' he promised to maintain the ban for as long as he is mayor.
One of the principles of any religion is that I cannot want for myself what I would not want for my neighbor. Otherwise, we build walls between us and threaten life in our communities.
I don't think we need to adopt Mike Alberici's greeting of 'Happy Christmasolticdarwihomokwanznukuh!' (Monitor Froum, Dec. 7) even if we could pronounce it, but amid all the glitz and commerce, we can take time to share some joy and peace with all those we meet.
THE REV. CHARLES A. KENNEDY
Newbury