Noah's Ark feature removed from children's playground after complaint from atheist grandparents

The Noah's Ark display that was removed from a children's playground following a challenge by Americans United (Photo: Facebook/Delaware Valley Americans United)

A Noah's ark display has been removed from a children's playground in Newark, Delaware, after atheist grandparents complained that they did not want their grandchildren to see Bible verses.

The grandparents took their complaint to Americans United for Separation of Church and State, who in turn presented their challenge against the Noah's ark display to Newark city officials.

Janice Rael, vice president of the Washington DC chapter of Americans United, told The Christian Post that the grandparents were atheists who "did not want their grandchildren to see the Bible verses or the cartoon rendition of the Noah's ark story".

Americans United argued that the display in Norma B Handloff Park was a violation of church-state separation and should therefore be removed. 

They sent a letter of complaint to Newark officials in October giving them 30 days to respond. 

The city of Newark removed the display on the advice of a solicitor and the Parks and Recreation Department.

A spokesman told The Christian Post: "Earlier this month, the city of Newark received a complaint regarding the playground equipment, which had been installed for some time, alleging that it was in violation of the establishment clause, citing numerous examples of case law."

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
News
Sarah Mullally prays with Pope Leo XIV
Sarah Mullally prays with Pope Leo XIV

Sarah Mullally referred to previous ecumenical meetings between Anglican and Catholic heads.

Missionary behind milestone Paraguay Bible translation to retire after 44 years of service
Missionary behind milestone Paraguay Bible translation to retire after 44 years of service

A missionary whose work helped bring the Bible to indigenous communities in Paraguay’s remote Chaco region is retiring after 44 years of ministry and translation work.

Calls to EU to move beyond words as Syria’s Christians face escalating violence
Calls to EU to move beyond words as Syria’s Christians face escalating violence

Fresh criticism is being directed at European leaders over what campaigners describe as a failure to take meaningful action to protect Syria’s Christian communities amid renewed sectarian violence and reports of incessant persecution.

Documentary celebrates women in Church ministry
Documentary celebrates women in Church ministry

Living Loving Serving: Women Leaders in the Church is the debut documentary film from Keep the Faith, Britain’s leading magazine about the black Christian community.