Organization threatens legal action over 'Jesus welcome' sign

HAWKINS, TX (KLTV) - Officials in an East Texas city are trying to decide how to save a sign that an out-of-state organization says should not reference Christ.

The sign bearing the phrase "Jesus welcomes you to Hawkins" stands along US Highway 80 and Blackborn Street.

Mayor Will Rogers said that city council recently received a letter from the Freedom from Religion Foundation in Wisconsin. Rogers said the letter threatened legal action if the sign is not removed. The marker stands on city property and was approved by city council in 2011.

The sign replaced an old First Baptist Church marker after local churches agreed that it represented everyone, said Rogers, and not just one church in particular.

"Jesus doesn't represent just one person," said Rogers. "Everyone would have to agree that he was a humanitarian."

According to Rogers, city officials plan to address saving the sign or moving it at an upcoming city council meeting.