Atheist May Sue Over 210-Foot Giant Corpus Christi Cross

By Katherine Weber, Christian Post Reporter Thursday, March 03, 2016

Patrick Greene and his cat, Big Boy, pose for the camera. Greene is an atheist activist who had to back off of his threat to sue Henderson County, Texas over a nativity scene a few months ago after he rapidly began losing his sight. | (Photo: Patrick Greene)

A prominent atheist in Texas is threatening to sue the organizers behind the Corpus Christi Cross Project, which is dedicated to building the largest cross in the United States.

Patrick Greene, who is known for carrying out lawsuits against religious causes in Texas, told local media outlets this week that he may sue Abundant Life Fellowship, the Christian group behind the Corpus Christi Cross Project that aims to build a cross that is 210 feet tall and 95 feet wide.

Greene told KRIS-TV that he also wants Corpus Christi officials, including the mayor and some city council members, to admit wrongdoing after they attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the project in January.

"They have to remain neutral and they cannot show preference of one religion over another," Greene said of city officials, adding, "because it gives the public the idea that the government, which has to remain neutral in every level of the United States, it takes away the neutrality."

City Attorney Miles Risley told KRIS-TV that he doesn't believe city officials violated any laws when they attended the cross's groundbreaking ceremony on January 31.

The attorney said that the cross will serve a greater, nonreligious purpose for the city of Corpus Christi, as it will bring in tourism and extra revenue.

The project, which is being spearheaded by Pastor Rick Milby of Abundant Life Fellowship, is set to cost $1 million.

The structure will be the second largest cross in the world and the largest in the Western hemisphere. Texas Governor Greg Abbott and State Rep. Todd Hunter have both voiced their approval of the project.

Pastor Milby explains on the Corpus Christi Cross Project website that he decided to begin the massive project after seeing the effect a large cross at Sagemont Church in Houston, Texas, had on passersby.

After months of reflection, Mibly explains that he decided to visit the leaders of Sagemont Church to get advice on how to build a cross for his church property.

"For the next several months God began speaking to my heart about erecting a mega cross in Corpus Christi, Texas, a city named after His church, 'The Body of Christ,'" Milby states.

"[Sagemont Church] shared story after story about lives that were changed, suicides that were aborted, relationships that were restored because of the influence of the cross, reminding them that the Redeemer could restore their brokenness," the pastor added.

According to the Houston Chronicle, some members of the Corpus Christi community have voiced their opposition to the project, suggesting money for the structure could be used in a more productive, charitable way.

Matthew Snyder, who is affiliated with the project, told the media outlet via email that, "There will be an immediate benefit to those who build the cross, and those employed in industries that provide logistical support to this endeavor."

"There will be a long term benefit to the community of Corpus Christi which derives much of its revenue from tourism," Snyder continued. "It is amazing to me how everybody wants to tell other folks how they should spend their own assets."

"I would encourage everyone to think outside of the box," Snyder added.