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A rural California ski resort's plans to install a 20-foot statue of the Virgin Mary has left some irate and pushing back against the Christian symbol they say disrespects the area's rich Native American history.
"Virgin Mary at a ski resort makes no sense, keep religion out of skiing," one critic wrote, echoing the complaints of multiple others.
"As a lifelong skier of this park and mountain that holds a dear place in so many peoples' hearts, I am severely disappointed by the choice to erect a giant statue of the Virgin Mary…" another said. "Shame on you Mt. Shasta Ski Park for desecrating this beautiful, powerful & spiritual place…"
A third capitalized on concerns that the move disrespects the area's history imbued in Native American culture.
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Mount Shasta stands in the backdrop with a skier in the foreground. (Mark Boster/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
"Are you kidding?" they wrote, adding in part, "Given the deep Native American history to that area and the long mysterious Lemurian beliefs, it would be a shame to add this statue!!"
On the same note, one commenter wrote, "Maybe erect a statue showing respect to the native folks killed by religion who were there long before y'all owned the mountain."
Critics also started an online petition demanding construction of the statue "cease and desist," alleging it "threatens to alienate" members of the "diverse community" who don't share the same Christian beliefs as the resort's owners.
The petition also asked the U.S. Forest Service, "with whom the ski park holds use permits," to "insist that Mount Shasta Ski Park discontinue" the project.
A post on the park's Facebook page explained that erecting the statue was a longtime goal of owners Robin Merlo and her late husband Ray, who died in 2020, three years after they purchased the park, The Los Angeles Times reported.
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A statue of the Virgin Mary seen in the middle of the roadside in Sassine Square on June 22, 2023, in Beirut, Lebanon. Locals in the area near Mt. Shasta Ski Park criticized plans to erect a Virgin Mary statue at the resort. (Kaveh Kazemi/Getty Images)
"In the words of Robin Merlo, This statue is a promise fulfilled and a true representation of the dedication to family that we all value so much here at the Ski Park," the post read. "The goal is not to focus on any one religion but to acknowledge and honor the beauty and spiritual power of the mountain we all love so much."
Those critical of the decision also called out the resort for limiting comments on its social media posts and for failing to address the outrage afflicting members of the community.
Not all commenters were critical of the statue or the resort, however, including one who said they were "THRILLED" about it and added, "Please stay strong and continue with your plan. This world – and this state, especially – needs more religion."
"It's your property I think it's a beautiful idea [and] can't wait to see it," wrote another, while a third said, "I am an atheist, but I applaud you for exercising your beliefs."
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Some skiers took to social media to voice their dissent with plans to construct a religious statue at the resort. (iStock)
The resort has not mentioned any plans to reverse course on the statue.
The project itself is expected to be completed at the top of Douglas Butte on Mt. Shasta next summer, with the platform visible this season.
Mt. Shasta Ski Park sent Fox News Digital a statement comment condemning the "negative reactions."
"In response to the negative reactions to the Virgin Mary project, it is just disappointing to see folks being so hateful about how our owner, Robin Merlo, has chosen to honor her late husband. Thankfully, we have been getting a lot of folks reaching out to express their support as well. I would also like to clarify the Ski Park is 100% privately owned and operated," the statement reads. "We do have a use permit with the Forest Service, but that pertains to the lower parking areas and is separate from the location of Statue. We look forward to completing the project early this summer."
The article was updated to include a statement from Mt. Shasta Ski Park.
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