The Apache Christ painting hangs behind the altar of St. Joseph Apache Mission church in Mescalero, New Mexico, Saturday, July 13, 2024. The painting, an icon that depicts Christ as a Mescalero ...

The congregation at St. Joseph Apache Mission is dealing with the hurt caused by their priest removing a painting called the Apache Christ.

The Apache Christ painting hangs behind the altar of St. Joseph Apache Mission church in Mescalero, New Mexico, Saturday, July 13, 2024. The painting, an icon that depicts Christ as a Mescalero ...

Apache Christ icon controversy sparks debate over Indigenous Catholic faith practices August 1, 2024 by DEEPA BHARATH, The Associated Press ...

MESCALERO, New Mexico (AP) — For this close-knit community, the 8-foot Apache Christ painting is a reminder of the holy union of their culture and faith.

MESCALERO, New Mexico -- Anne Marie Brillante never imagined she would have to choose between being Apache and being Catholic.

The congregation at St. Joseph Apache Mission in the Mescalero Reservation in New Mexico, is struggling to deal with the hurt caused by their priest removing a cherished painting called the Apache ...

The focus of this tense, unresolved episode is the 8-foot Apache Christ painting. For this close-knit community, it is a revered icon created by Franciscan friar Robert Lentz in 1989.

The Apache Christ painting hangs behind the altar of St. Joseph Apache Mission church in Mescalero, New Mexico, Saturday, July 13, 2024. The painting, an icon that depicts Christ as a Mescalero ...

The focus of this tense, unresolved episode is the 8-foot Apache Christ painting. For this close-knit community, it is a revered icon created by Franciscan friar Robert Lentz in 1989.

For many in the Mescalero Apache tribe in New Mexico who are members of St. Joseph Apache Mission, their Indigenous culture was always intertwined with faith. Both are sacred.

Apache Christ icon controversy sparks debate over Indigenous Catholic faith practices By Associated Press Published July 27, 2024 5:14 am ...