BREAKING: Columbus Commission Rejects CCV’s Rooftop Crosses
The Columbus Downtown Commission recently decided that the city skyline has room for plenty of artwork, but no room for three crosses.
It seems in the heart of Ohio's capital, "inclusive" architecture has a very specific exception for religious expression. The Columbus Dispatch detailed the Commission’s move to axe the installment planned for Center for Christian Virtue’s new headquarters at 62 East Broad Street.
CCV President Aaron Baer didn't mince words regarding the Commission's "logic":
"Our team took great care to design artwork that fully complies with the city’s code and design standards. That’s why this decision is so troubling. The Columbus Downtown Commission didn’t just reject artwork — it rejected a clear expression of faith. We strongly disagree with this decision, and we believe it raises serious First Amendment concerns. We look forward to working with the city to correct this and ensure that religious expression is treated fairly in Columbus."
If the goal was to make CCV blend into the background, the Commission failed. You can’t claim to value "artistic diversity" while systematically airbrushing the cross out of the public square.
Aaron also used a thread on X to highlight the absurdity of the ruling:
We liked the message consistency this would bring from across the state. pic.twitter.com/xpyisn52Dp
— Aaron Baer (@aarbaer) April 30, 2026
We think this is perfect for our friends at the statehouse... pic.twitter.com/WmJytXo1pB
— Aaron Baer (@aarbaer) April 30, 2026
Faith isn't a design element you can just vote away. It’s the foundation of everything we do.
CCV isn't backing down. And we certainly aren't going to let the Commission treat the First Amendment like a suggestion.
Stay tuned.
For more information, contact CCV at 513-733-5775 or contact@ccv.org. For media inquiries, email media@ccv.org.
As Ohio’s largest Christian public policy organization, Center for Christian Virtue seeks the good of our neighbors by advocating for public policy that reflects the truth of the Gospel.
