The Pennsylvania Pastors Network said it's backing the use of a cross in the Lehigh County seal, despite the threat of a possible lawsuit.
The Freedom from Religion Foundation, a Wisconsin-based group, requested the seal be changed in the fall after being contacted by a local citizen.
"There's a Latin cross, a Christian cross in the middle of the county seal, which there are a number of federal cases ruling that crosses on government seals and logos are unconstitutional, and so we've informed them of that and hope that they will follow the law," said Patrick Elliott, staff attorney for FFRF.
Sam Rohrer, president of the Pennsylvania Pastors Network and a former Berks County state representatives, didn't hold back on what he thought of the ordeal.
"Lo and behold, what in the world is the Freedom for Religion Foundation doing here in our backyard, in Pennsylvania, trying to tell somebody here what they can or cannot do," he said.
"This has nothing to do with the United States constitution," he added. "The states were in place before the federal came along, this is a matter that's dealt with within the state."
The seal, which was adopted in December 1944, is a blend of local symbols and references and does have a cross at its center.
The county board of commissioners is now reviewing the seal, according to Brad Osborne, the board's chairman.
"The board is still evaluating its options and therefore not in a position to comment on the matter at this time," Osborne said. "There will be a formal decision, to be made in the near future."
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