Complaints range in scope from those simply saying that the crucifix seems out of place in the grocery store to those claiming infringement of "separation of church and state" due to the store's development and location being at least partially public-funded. 

Collora says exclusion is not what he had in mind. The crucifix, he said, "is not meant to promote one faith over another. It's just an opportunity to share a part of myself and my life with people I work hard to serve every day."

Lori Willis, Schnucks communications director, said Collora was the only manager in the chain's 106 stores to have requested to display an article of personal faith. 

"Company leaders made a decision to honor that request out of respect for Tom and his faith," Willis said. "In fact, that's part of the reason they put him in charge of Culinaria. He's a man of such strong faith - who better to put in a store where so many faiths come together?"