CHEBOYGAN CO. -- Controversy is brewing in Cheboygan County over an alleged case of violation of church and state.
The county drain commissioner is being threatened with a lawsuit by the Freedom from Religion Foundation based out of Wisconsin.
Dennis Lennox received a letter from the organization saying he needs to remove a cross and nativity scene from his office because it's illegal and inappropriate.
"This is my private office in my private area, I'm not trying to force my faith down anybody's throat, I'm just saying I celebrate Christmas," said Lennox.
"It's a violation of the establishment clause which mandates the separation of church and state to display Christian items from a public office," said Rebecca Markert, the Staff Attorney for Freedom from Religion Foundation.
Lennox says he's sent a response to the group saying he has dismissed the letter and will not take the cross and nativity scene down.
Freedom from Religion Foundation has threatened a lawsuit.
