This 2017 file photo Bert Baker, an amateur artist, stands in front of a recently finished seven-foot tall sculpture of Christ at Red Bank Baptist Church in Lexington, S.C. The sculptor says his statue of Jesus Christ is being removed from a the church after more than a decade, because some perceive it as “too Catholic” for the Baptist place of worship. (Gerry Melendez/The State via AP)

Baptist church removing Jesus statue it deems too 'Catholic'

May 30, 2018 - 5:50 pm

The Associated Press

LEXINGTON, S.C. (AP) — A Baptist church in South Carolina has voted to remove a statue of Jesus Christ because some believe it's too "Catholic" for their place of worship.

The hand-carved, 7-foot (2-meter) statue and accompanying reliefs showing scenes from the life of Christ have been displayed outside Red Bank Baptist Church in Lexington for a decade.

But Pastor Jeff Wright says the statue is being taken down this week. In a letter, Pastor said some congregants feel it is "Catholic in nature," and it needs to be removed to avoid confusion. He did not explain why. Wright didn't return telephone calls or respond to messages The Associated Press left in person with his staff Wednesday.

Artist Delbert Baker Jr. responded in a letter posted on Facebook that removing the statue makes no sense.

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Information from: The State, http://www.thestate.com

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