Church vs Government Over Sacred Land | Albuquerque News

The Catholic Church is fiercely resisting the government’s plan to seize sacred land at Mount Cristo Rey for a border wall, warning that blasting and construction could irreparably damage the 29-foot Jesus statue and desecrate a spiritual symbol vital to border communities. They argue the seizure violates their First Amendment and RFRA rights, pointing to past damage to religious sites and demanding the government use the least restrictive methods. While the government insists the issue is purely about fair compensation—not religious freedom—and filed a motion to dismiss religious claims, a court hearing has been indefinitely postponed. The Church is demanding either a ruling that blocks the land seizure or a jury trial to determine just compensation, calling the government’s initial $183,000 offer grossly inadequate. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/7b20aa2e1209dd1c