After an uproar over the Bethel Board of Selectmen's decision to allow a new nativity manger to be displayed at P.T. Barnum Square, officials are considering an update of holiday display policies.  There is no written policy of regulations for displays, just a history of past practices. 

The American Atheists Legal Center has asked the board to rescind its approval and was critical of not accepting an application for a non-religious display.  Bethel officials say it wasn't a rejection, but rather a case of the application missing an insurance form and picture of the proposal. 

A special meeting has been scheduled for Monday at 6pm at the municipal center to develop a policy for this holiday season. 

When First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker took office he stopped allowing town crews to set up the manger donated by a resident, and the Chamber of Commerce took over the task.  This year the Chamber asked local churches to be in charge.