Jesus Takes it to the Streets

It sounds like a Doobie Brothers song mashup:

Dressed in flowing robes and thorny crowns, about 400 churchgoers promised their pastor they'd dress like Jesus as a hard-to-miss reminder of the holiday's religious roots.

Members of Praise Chapel Christian Fellowship began showing up that way last week at jobs, shopping malls and restaurants. The demonstration wrapped up Wednesday.

"I know it's a crazy idea," said pastor Kelly Lohrke, whose 600 members attend services in Kansas City, Kan., and nearby Lee's Summit, Mo. "I know it's a radical idea. Christians can have fun with their faith and sharing their faith."

Lohrke said he came up with the idea out of frustration over the removal of crosses, nativity scenes and other religious symbols from public view.