RI church to hold counter tree lighting

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - A Catholic church on Smith Hill is upping the ante in the intensifying dispute over the State House tree lighting ceremony.

The Rev. James Ruggeri of St. Patrick's Parish announced Wednesday the church, along with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence, will host a Christmas tree lighting ceremony and service on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.

The event coincides with Rhode Island's official "holiday tree" lighting ceremony down the block at the State House that's drawn controversy and made national news.

The dispute began earlier this week when, in an invitation to the lighting ceremony, Gov. Lincoln Chafee's office referred to the tree as a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree.

“The decision to avoid the word Christmas at the State House is sad and unfortunate in a state that is overwhelmingly Christian,” Father Ruggeri said. He invited “anyone who is seeking a deeper understanding of the Advent and Christmas season to join us for the Christmas tree lighting.”

When asked about the flap on Tuesday, Chafee stood by his decision, saying using the word "holiday" has been a tradition in the past and he wants the State House ceremony to be inclusive.

• Nesi: 'Holiday trees' nothing new in RI

The governor also suggested critics should instead steer their "energy and enthusiasm" into volunteering for local charities.

The governor's position did not sit well with some Rhode Islanders, including Bishop Thomas Tobin of Providence, who called the decision "disheartening and divisive."

"It is sad that such a secular spirit has swept over our state," Bishop Tobin said in a statement. "The governor's decision ignores long-held American traditions and is an affront to the faith of many citizens."

Others voiced their displeasure on the respective Facebook pages for WPRI.com and The Rhode Show.

"I for one am sick of being offended by the disrespect of the celebration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ," said Brian Birch on the Rhode Show Facebook page after the topic was featured on Wednesday morning's "The Buzz" segment.

"Why does our Governor expect his citizens to listen and obey the laws and resolutions... when he never does?" said Eddie Alstrom, referring to a resolution passed by the General Assembly last January requiring the use of the term Christmas tree.

Rhode Island, by most recent studies, is quite largely Catholic and otherwise Christian. In 2008, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops clocked Rhode Island as 59.5% identifying as Catholic.

Others think the entire debate is ridiculous.

"Fighting over what to call a tree really isn't in the spirit of anything Christ-like," said Nicole Conneally on the Rhode Show Facebook page.

"People need to get a life and focus their attention on the more important matters in the world," said Russell Paul Roy, Jr.

A similar debate is going on in Wisconsin. A state rep there, Jim Steineke, has introduced a resolution to officially name the tree at that state's capitol a Christmas tree. It's been called a holiday tree there for decades.