Image of Jesus Defaced in Chicago’s Daley Plaza

CHICAGO, April 23, 2014 /Christian Newswire/ — Last night, someone vandalized the Divine Mercy display, which was set up in Daley Plaza by private citizens on April 17th. For the past eight years, private citizens have displayed an Easter cross and image of Jesus the Divine Mercy in Daley Plaza, expressing free speech and exercising freedom of religion in the public square. For the previous seven years, the display held its nine-day vigil without incident. This is the first time that someone has defaced the images.

“No display — whether religious, political, or artistic — should be destroyed by those who disagree with the message,” said Attorney Jocelyn Floyd of the Thomas More Society. “It is shameful that the image of Jesus Christ was marred last night, but private citizens should not allow the occurrence of vandalism to discourage them from expressing their faith in the public square.”

“Free speech and expression of faith is protected by the First Amendment.” Ms. Floyd added. “Destruction of others’ speech is not.”

Details and background of display here.

Photos of vandalism to display here.