Three baby Jesus figurines stolen from Clintonville Lutheran churches

Baby Jesus figurines stolen from churches in Clintonville

CLINTONVILLE -- It's been about two weeks since three baby Jesus figurines were stolen from three Lutheran churches in Clintonville, Wisconsin. There was hope the culprit would return them by Christmas, but that did not happen.

As Christians celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas, some Lutheran parishioners in Clintonville said they feel meddling with one's religion is something that is off-limits.

"People have no morals anymore, because it just seems like there's some things that people shouldn't mess with," Steve Beilfuss of Marion said.

St. Martin, St. Paul and Christus Lutheran churches had their baby Jesus figurines stolen from their manger displays in early December. Members of St. Paul and St. Martin put a replacement in the manger for the holiday, but Christus did not.

Rev. Brian Crocker of Christus Lutheran Church said he was hoping the figurine would be there on Christmas morning.

"It's disheartening that people are taking the baby Jesus from manger scenes," Rev. Daniel Burns of St. Martin Lutheran Church said.

Rev. Crocker says the figurine doesn't matter much when you boil down the real purpose of celebrating Christmas. He says it's sad the three churches are on the receiving end of someone's prank or malicious act, but he still has faith.

"I still have a lot of faith in folks that this time of the year they'll find the good in themselves," Rev. Crocker said.

As for Rev. Burns, he says whoever took the figurines should know there's always a way out.

"Christ forgives people for sinners, for sins, and we're all sinners. We all fall short of the glory of God," Rev. Burns said.