The City of Riverside is considering selling the land on which the cross sits after being threatened with a First Amendment lawsuit by the group Americans United for Separation of Church and State. The Riverside City Council is expected to make a decision on the sale of the property in January.
In addition to serving as a destination for the annual Our Lady of Guadalupe procession in Riverside, the Mount Rubidoux cross is also the site of an Easter sunrise service that has been held continuously since 1909. The diocese has often participated in the Easter service there.
Supporters of the cross, which include many Riverside Catholics, say it is a universally positive symbol, regardless of one’s religiosity.
“The cross is there for reconciliation not for exclusion,” Auxiliary Bishop Rutilio del Riego says. “It is a sign for all. We would like to see it remain.”
At the Dec. 8 procession, Father Alfonso Duran O. de M., pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine, urge those in attendance to respectfully raise their voices in support of keeping the cross on Mount Rubidoux.
Ted Hewitt, a parishioner of St. Thomas the Apostle parish in Riverside, notes that the Catholic Church has a long-held presence at the Mount Rubidoux cross, memorialized in plaques that have been installed there bearing the name of Father Junipero Serra. Hewitt said he believes communities of faith will continue religious observances on Mount Rubidoux regardless of whether or not the cross is removed.
“As Catholic servants of Christ, we will continue to be a part of the Easter Sunrise Service on Mount Rubidoux even if we have to carry the cross up the mountain ourselves each year,” Hewitt said.