The Fresno city council unanimously approved a resolution to add the National Motto to walls. It will now be among the more than 130 cities and county governments that have included the phrase in its chambers. 

District 6 Councilman Garry Bredefeld, who has been leading the charge, said he was inspired by a national movement which began in 2002.

"There is a vocal minority that wants to take God out of our beliefs, we shouldn't be silent about that," he said. "For too long, a silent majority has allowed a vocal minority to silence them."

The decision to add the phrase has not come without opposition. According to The Fresno Bee, a large crowd of several hundred people packed the lower and upper levels of the council chamber while the measure was debated.

During the time for public comment, 24 supported the national motto and 23 opposed it. 

"Right now I happen to think the country is the most divided it's ever been in my lifetime. And you have an opportunity right now to fall in line with that great lineage of making this statement 'In God We Trust' not as a divisive statement but as a unifying thing," said Alan Autry, a proponent of the resolution.

Several speakers suggested the motto was non-inclusive and a violation of constitutional provisions for separation of church and state. 

"You think this is going to be inclusive? You think this is patriotism? Not for non-believers, not for atheists, and not for those who are free thinkers. I'm letting you know right now you're setting Fresno back. And I hope you consider this and you may vote yes but I think you'll regret it. Mark my words," said Juan Avita.

But a majority of the audience favored adding the phrase to a wall behind the dais in the council chamber. Dozens carried signs of support, while others wore T-shirts with the motto printed on them.

The resolution requires that no taxpayer dollars will be used to add the motto to the wall. 

CBN News

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

Memorial Day 2023: Everything You Need to Know About the Day of Remembrance

Sadie Robertson Huff Welcomes Second Baby: 'Life Got a Whole Lot Sweeter'

Franklin Graham Challenges Religious Broadcasters: 'The Storm Is Coming; Don't Apologize for the Gospel—Just Declare It, Just Preach It'

Senate Democrats Introduce Bill to Give Federal Government Massive Power over Online Platforms

Exposed: Doctors Paid Massive Bonuses to Push Experimental Jabs on Children

Black Lives Matter Close to Insolvency as Execs Take Home Six to Seven Figure Paychecks

'Start Pushing Back': Lawmakers Slam LGBTQ+ 'Youth Carnival' That Bars Parents

2 Youths Commit Suicide in Taxpayer-Funded Trans-Hormone Experiment; Lawmakers Demand Answers

Target Moves LGBT Displays after Conservative Boycott but Will Still 'Celebrate Pride Month'

Discovered: Place Where Jesus Was Judged by Pontius Pilate

'My Daughter Would Still Be Alive': Mom Testifies About MS-13 Gang Member's Catch-and-Release

Jim Caviezel Blows Lid Off Child Trafficking, Epstein Island, Hollywood in Steve Bannon Interview on New Movie

'Bud-Light Effect': Target Stock Sinks Nearly 10 Percent amid Pride Backlash

College Students Sue Professor Who Forced Students to Fund Left-Wing Political Group

'Black Marxist' Professor Fired after Vandalizing Pro-Life Display, Chasing Reporter with Machete

Why Do Leftists Get a Pass on Their Racism Toward Tim Scott, and Other Black Republicans?

Governor Ron DeSantis Formally Announces Presidential Run In Twitter Spaces Interview With Elon Musk

God's Amazing Grace: a Father Adopts the Young Man Who Murdered His Son

Appeals Court Returns Counterfeit Ballot Case to Lower Court; VoterGA Seeks Recusal to Prevent Obstruction of Ballot Inspection

Largely Unnoticed, WHO Moves Forward with Global Governance Plan that Rivals a George Orwell Novel