Any two random beam intersections in a steel-framed building will more than vaguely resemble a cross, the Roman execution device that has become the most prominent symbol of Christianity. Such a otherwise unremarkable remnant of the steel skeleton of the World Trade towers became a symbol of hope to many after the September 11th attacks.
The cross was scheduled to be moved to the new September 11th Memorial and Museum, resulting in a lawsuit by American Atheists. At the heart of their claim is that such a display is tantamount to a government endorsement of the Christian religion.
The case resides in a grey area of the establishment clause. The cross inarguably constitutes a Christian symbol. However, there are many legitimate government displays of religious symbols. No one is about to tear the Ten Commandments out of the home of the Supreme Court because of the obvious historical significance.
The argument that the cross has significant historical value cannot be ignored. Nor can the fact that it is clearly a Christian icon. Ultimately, I feel the resolution must be based on the context. If it is placed in the museum, it must be based solely upon its historical value with no tacit encouragement of it being promoted as a religious icon. Placing it in a chapel or room set aside for “quiet reflection” would be a violation of the establishment clause. Placing it in a display area that explains the context of its significance without special reverence would not be a violation of the separation of church and state.
Ultimately, the resolution of the lawsuit will need to depend on the context of how the cross would be displayed. If the intention of the planned display is to promote religious reverence, then it is best left on the church grounds where it now resides. If the intention is to display it in a secular, historical context, then the lawsuit should be dismissed.
Sources:
Atheists Sue to Block Display of Cross-Shaped Beam in 9/11 Museum (New York Times)
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