FRANKENMUTH -- Frankenmuth is refusing to remove a 55-foot cross from a public park.

The city of received a letter in July from the Americans Separated from Church and State demanding that the religious symbol come down.

Frankenmuth says the cross was built to honor the bicentennial of the United States in 1976. It also celebrates Frankenmuth's own history and culture.

The church-state group says it's disappointed but not surprised by Frankenmuth's response and will file a lawsuit if a resident steps forward to be the plaintiff.