The Christmas card sent out this year by TN Gov. Phil Bredesen is befuddling some people in the Volunteer State.
The cover of the card depicts a portrait (by Bredesen himself!) of a young Muslim girl that the governor says he saw on a trip to Afghanistan last year.
On the back, Bredesen writes:
"While it may seem odd to put a portrait of a young Muslim woman on a Christmas card, this Season reminds us that He loves His children most of all.
"May the miracle of Christmas help bring peace to this young woman and her wounded land."
It's a beautiful and striking portrait (even if it seems a little familiar). And, you know, props to Bredesen for sending out a very, I guess, progressive Christmas card.
Church leaders are saying the governor's message is unclear and may even be anti-Christmas.
I'll admit, it confounded me when I first read it, but not for the reason I think it's bothering most people. I first read the card as saying, "...this Season reminds us that He loves His [Christian] children most of all [and not Muslim children]." I really don't think that's the governor's intent at all, but it did confuse me for a bit.
Zach Patton -- Executive Editor. Zach has written about a range of topics, including social policy issues and urban planning and design. Originally from Tennessee, he joined GOVERNING as a staff writer in 2004. He received the 2011 Jesse H. Neal Award for Outstanding Journalism
E-mail: zpatton@governing.com 
Written and compiled by staff writers and editors, GOVERNING View is an on-the-ground, and sometimes behind-the-scenes, look at the topics we're covering in print and online. From notes on what's up in statehouses, county courthouses and city halls, to encounters with people, places and things, GOVERNING View is a window into the side of state and local government you don't always see.
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