4TOMS RIVER, N.J. – Despite growing efforts in parts of New Jersey to scale back religious themes in public holiday displays, Mayor Dan Rodrick says Toms River will continue to celebrate Christmas as it was originally intended — with a nativity scene front and center.

Rodrick said the township’s display, which also includes a menorah for Hanukkah, honors both the community’s shared history and its dedication to faith and traditions.

“This is the first national holiday Congress created in the United States,” Rodrick said. “People talk about the separation of church and state, but the establishment clause was just meant to keep the government from setting up a church like the English had done with the Church of England.”

Mayor says display celebrates inclusion, not exclusion

The Toms

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