Is Christmas Constitutional?

BECKET FUND, March 30 — The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty called on the U.S. Supreme Court to reject a court challenge to the designation of Christmas as a federal holiday, the organization announced.

In 1998, an assistant city attorney from Cincinnati filed suit claiming that the federal holiday violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. But two courts have already rejected this claim.

Dissent on Bush's Ambassador Pick

FAMILY RESEARCH COUNCIL, March 29 — President George W. Bush made a misstep in nominating Massachusetts Gov. Paul Cellucci as ambassador to Canada, according to the pro-family group. Cellucci's nomination was confirmed by a Senate committee April 5.

As governor, Cellucci introduced legislation that would allow minors to get abortions without the consent or notification of their parents. One of Cellucci's three appointments to the Massachusetts Supreme Court had served as an attorney for Planned Parenthood, while another had served on the board of directors for an abortion clinic. Cellucci also raised funding for the Commission on Gay and Lesbian Youth.

Cellucci also faced criticism for his handling of allegedly false sexual-abuse charges against a day care center, and charges of dishonesty regarding the cost of the “Big Dig” highway project in Boston.

Columbus Statue Attack Called ‘Hate Crime'

WASHINGTON WATCH RADIO COMMENTARY, March 29 — When James Costner took a sledgehammer to a San Jose statue commemorating Christopher Columbus, he thought he was striking a blow against colonialism, the radio program reported.

But Costner was charged with committing an anti-Italian hate crime. The radio commentary decried this charge, saying that Costner should receive solely a three-year sentence for vandalism. Costner has denied that he was motivated by hatred of Italians.

High-Tech Leaders Have Faith

USA TODAY, March 27 — The national daily's “Money” section surveyed leaders in the technology industries and found that for most, science reinforced their belief.

While some industry leaders believed in a more diffuse “spirituality,” and a few thought that science and religion were incompatible, Nobel prizewinner Arno Penzias spoke for many when he explained that his Judaism “goes past physical sciences.”

Bishop Finally Rests With Fellows

CHICAGO TRIBUNE, March 30 — The body of James Duggan, who served Chicago as a bishop during the Civil War, was brought to the mausoleum reserved for the city's leaders of the Church, the Chicago daily reported.

The mausoleum was built in 1912. The archdiocese had exhumed the bishops who had already died — except for Bishop Duggan. He was left behind, most likely because he had been mentally ill.

Said Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, “I hope that we can make visible the silent suffering of mental illness and that we will never leave anyone behind as we left Bishop Duggan behind.”