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."

News
Trump's AI 'Jesus' blunder
Trump's AI 'Jesus' blunder

Has the row over Donald Trump’s ‘Christ-like’ image been fuelled by misunderstanding and unrealistic expectations about his alleged Christian faith?

Bethel Church announces governance review after sexual abuse allegations
Bethel Church announces governance review after sexual abuse allegations

Months after Bethel Church announced Pastor Ben Armstrong had been placed on administrative leave, the church says it is bringing in additional third-party oversight and has confirmed the firm leading an independent investigation into sexual abuse allegations against the longtime ministry leader.

Faith communities have always served the whole person - it is time funders did the same
Faith communities have always served the whole person - it is time funders did the same

Ethnic minority communities struggle to access funding but a church-backed initiative is seeking to change that.

Indian law could block foreign aid to missionaries, seize church properties
Indian law could block foreign aid to missionaries, seize church properties

Christianity faces an increasingly hostile environment in India.