Summary

The City of Maryville canceled its annual reading of the biblical Christmas story at its tree lighting Monday night, but one local couple is giving the community a chance to hear it anyway.

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Very good news. I am so happy that someone has the guts to do what is right and good. From what I am hearing from friends, family, and just other people; this will be our mayors last term. Sometime you must stand up for whats right. This is how we get bad laws changed. Shame on you Tom Taylor. You had you chance to be a hero and blew it. Hope to see you at the reading on Monday, 6pm sharp.

-- Posted by ed deck on Sat, Dec 12, 2009, 10:40 am EDT (Report this)

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Couple to read biblical story of Christmas at Pistol Creek Station in Maryville

By Melanie Tucker
melt@thedailytimes.com
Originally published: December 12. 2009 3:01AM
Last modified: December 11. 2009 10:04PM

A Blount County couple has obtained a demonstration permit to read the biblical Christmas story in a Maryville park Monday night.

Several Blount County churches, including New Hope Independent Baptist Church in Maryville, are expected to join the demonstration.

The reading amounts to a protest of the Maryville mayor's decision to cancel the reading of the Christmas story at its annual tree lighting ceremony, which was held Monday night.

James Raucci and his wife Heather will read from the book of Luke 6 p.m. Monday at the Pistol Creek Station at the pedestrian bridge that leads to the Blount County Public Library. They invite the public to attend.

Maryville Mayor Tom Taylor canceled the two-decades-old tradition after receiving a complaint that questioned whether it is legal for a government entity to participate in a Bible reading.

Taylor checked with the city attorney, who said it is illegal to include readings from the Bible at a city-sponsored function. Taylor wrote a letter to the editor in The Daily Times Friday explaining how the decision was made and said the city had no option but to comply with the law.

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