On July 4th, a Christian Mega-Church unveiled a 72-ft. tall replica Statue of Liberty, with a couple of Christian modifications, in Memphis, Tennessee. The "Statue of Liberation Through Christ" holds a cross aloft instead of a torch, clutches Ten Commandments tablets, and has "Jehovah" written on her crown. It's the creation of the World Overcomers Outreach Ministries Church, a 12,000 member religious group that donated over $250,000 to make the fiberglass and foam sculpture over a steel framework.

The unveiling of the statue received wide publicity, including coverage in the New York Times (Outreach Ministry: Mission Accomplished!). Statue of Liberty purists were quick to complain about the Christian augmentations to a sacred symbol of America. And a mega-church in Monroe, Ohio was caught off guard as this big green lady knocked aside their 62-ft. tall "Touchdown Jesus" as the Silliest Salute to the Almighty.

"Liberation Through Christ" stands along Kirby Parkway and Winchester Road in Memphis. [07/05/2006]