School Board Won't Fight for Jesus Portrait

By The Associated Press

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) – The Harrison County Board of Education says it will drop its effort to keep a painting of Jesus Christ hanging in Bridgeport High School.

The issue has been challenged in court by two civil liberties groups.

Though the painting was stolen August 17th, the board had still planned to fight for the right to keep a religious display.

Under legal advisement, the board said Thursday that it will file a motion seeking dismissal of the lawsuit in light of the disappearance of the painting at the heart of the case.

The West Virginia affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union and Americans United for Separation of Church and State filed a lawsuit in federal court in June after the school declined their request to remove the painting.

The groups argue that the portrait endorses Christianity as the school's official religion.

Christian students who had raised 67-hundred dollars say they plan to present something new after school today that is to be hung at the school.

© 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo

Top Stories