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Mayor Appeals Ruling on Controversial Catholic Statues

10/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch is appealing a court ruling blocking two Catholic statues amid scrutiny over a pay raise and Catholic Church's sexual abuse scandal.
The statues honor St. Florian and Michael the Archangel.
They were commissioned for $850,000 in city funds.
A judge ruled they serve a religious purpose, prompting backlash over public input.
The Becket Fund argues symbols can have historical significance in public life.

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Story summary

Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch is appealing a court ruling blocking two Catholic statues amid scrutiny over a pay raise and Catholic Church's sexual abuse scandal.
The statues honor St. Florian and Michael the Archangel.
They were commissioned for $850,000 in city funds.
A judge ruled they serve a religious purpose, prompting backlash over public input.
The Becket Fund argues symbols can have historical significance in public life.