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The Flathead National Forest Supervisor is withdrawing his earlier decision to revoke the Knights of Columbus' special-use permit for the statue of Jesus on Big Mountain near Whitefish.

The Knights of Columbus received the permit to erect the statue in October 1953 and installed it in 1955. The permit has been renewed and granted every 10 years.

Recently, the Freedom From Religion Foundation objected to the statue, citing policy that prevents religious displays on federal lands.

In objecting to the statue's location, FFRF co-president Annie Laurie Gaylor said in a press release, "The Knights of Columbus and its backers claim the Jesus statue memorializes World War II veterans, specifically Catholic members at Kalispell's St. Matthew's parish. This is a sham designation that insults and excludes the many ‘atheists in foxholes' and non-Christian veterans who defended our country."

New information received after his August 24th decision to revoke the permit, however, convinced Forest Supervisor Chip Weber to notify the Regional Forester that he is withdrawing his earlier decision and will formally ask for public comment in the next few weeks about reissuing the permit.

Weber said in a press released, "Information that developed after my August 24th decision is a significant factor driving this withdrawal and reconsideration. It has always been clear to us that there are strongly held values associated with this monument and that it is important to the community."

The new information is from the Montana State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO), which determined that the site is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

In their response to forest officials, the SHPO states that the monument "...is a local landmark that skiers recognize, and it is a historic part of the resort."

Details about the public comment period for this proposed action will be released sometime next week; we will update you as we learn more.