HOA Removes Nativity Scene, Says California Pastor

OCEANSIDE, CA -- A California pastor said the local homeowner association removed his church's nativity scene. Pastor Mike Openshaw told NBC 7 the display representing the birth of Jesus was removed from exterior of the Lighthouse Christian Church.

Openshaw told the news station he received an email from the Ranch Maintenance Agreement Board last Thursday asking him to remove the religious display. A day later, the group removed it themselves, Openshaw told NBC 7.

"I found the Nativity scene behind the monument in a jumble all disconnected and no one was here," Openshaw told the news station.

Apparently, the group claims the nativity scene was removed because the property belongs to the group and not the church, the news station reported.

A nativity scene is a common sight during Christmas season, where figures representing Mary, Joseph and an infant Jesus are on display.

--Photo via Pixabay/User strecosa