– May 21, 2006

Officials Need to Hear from Us Now – “Miracle Debris” Christian Cross at World Trade Center Memorial

The group in charge of developing a memorial for victims of the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center has announced it will permanently display a “miracle debris” cross formed by two pieces of steel left standing after the collapse of the twin towers.

In making the announcement last week, WTC Memorial Foundation President and CEO Gretchen Dykstra disingenuously avoided the issue of violating the separation of government and religion by saying that it is a “delicate issue” (Associate Press) and that viewers of the display should draw their own conclusions about whether there is religious significance.

The scheme to display the Christian cross has been endorsed by the Lower Manhattan Clergy Council and the New York Disaster Interfaith Services. Dykstra stated in a letter that the display “tells the story of 9/11” and is “not an object of veneration.”

This double-talk, however, conveniently ignores the history of the 20-foot cross which has been the focal point of religious services and pilgrimages.

AMERICAN ATHEISTS President Ellen Johnson said that the decision is meant to “religionize” the WTC memorial, which is located on land owned by the Port Authority.

“The property is owned by a public entity, and any memorial must avoid the promotion of religion,” Johnson told reporters. “It is odd that from all of the debris left from the 9/11 attacks on the Trade Center, officials have conveniently decided to include a pair of intersecting metal beams that form a cross have become the focus of religious passions.”

Johnson said that if groups wish to display the cross, it should be located on public property.

She added that such a religious display “invites litigation.”

Officials Need to Hear from Us Now!

AMERICAN ATHEISTS hopes to avoid litigation by persuading public officials to rescind this reckless decision for the unconstitutional display of the “miracle debris” Christian cross. We urge you to let WTC Foundation President Dykstra, NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and NY Governor George E. Pataki know how you feel about using public land to promote religion!

Contact Info and Tips on Writing

Gretchen Dykstra
World Trade Center Memorial Foundation
One Liberty Plaza, 20th Floor
New York, NY 10006

Phone: 212-312-8800

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg
City Hall
New York, NY 10007

E-mail: Use this on-line form located at nyc.gov
(FAX): 212-788-2460

Gov. George E. Pataki
State Capitol
Albany, NY 12224

Phone: 518-474-8390
E-mail: Use the on-line form through this page.

• Send letters and E-mails to these officials speaking out against the display of the Christian cross. The cross is a religious symbol, and this structure has become inextricably linked to religious belief. It has been the scene of masses and other religious gatherings. The debris-cross belongs on private, not public property!
• Be polite and courteous. Point out that the proposed display is unconstitutional and will likely invite costly legal challenge. It is also a divisive symbol! Religious people of all faiths, as well as Atheists, freethinkers, humanists and other non-believers were affected by the tragic events of 9/11. Fanatical religious and political passions claimed the lives of thousands of innocent people. Any memorial should draw us together as Americans, not divide us by promoting sectarian religion.
• Ask for a response in writing to your concerns!
• Be sure to sign your letter and provide an e-mail or postal address.
• Share your letters and replies on this web site
• Spread this Action Alert!

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