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

The Face-Off Is Finally Here: Trump, Biden Set to Spar for First Time in Tonight's Presidential Debate

President Trump Signs 'First-Ever' Executive Order Protecting Patients with Preexisting Conditions

Reagan, Bush Government Officials Endorse Trump, Citing Foreign Policy Accomplishments

In Case You Missed It: President Trump Sent a Message to All Attending The Return on Saturday, Here's What He Said

Harvard Law Prof, a Democrat 'Impeachment' Witness, Admits Amy Coney Barrett is Well Qualified to Be Supreme Court Justice

CA Gov. Approves Taxpayer Funds for Transgender Surgeries; Dr. Dobson Blasts 'Repugnant Experiments' on Children

John Macarthur, Pastor Who Defied COVID-19 Orders, Will Face New Hearing in November

No Lockdown, But Tokyo Citizens May Have Developed COVID-19 Herd Immunity, Say Researchers

Report: 'Battle-Tested' Amy Coney Barrett is Ready for Supreme Court Confirmation Hearings

Here's How Judge Amy Coney Barrett Lives Out Her Pro-Life Beliefs

Tens of Thousands Cried Out to God at Franklin Graham's Prayer March 2020 on Saturday

Humble Repentance, Passionate Intercession Marked 'The Return: Sacred Assembly', as Thousands Prayed at the National Mall and Millions More Online

President Trump on FIRE at Black Economic Empowerment Event in Atlanta

Project Veritas Uncovers 'Ballot Harvesting Fraud' in Minnesota: Devine

A 'Window' for the Gospel as Sudan's New Gov't Moves Away from Islam and Toward Democracy

Outrage: Idaho Police Arrest Three Christians Singing Hymns during Outdoor Worship Service without Masks

President Trump to Push for Juneteenth (Cessation of Slavery) to Become National Holiday: Report

Ohio Mom Tased and Arrested for Not Wearing a Mask at Son's Outdoor Football Game; She's Asthmatic

President Gets Ready to Announce SCOTUS Nominee While Democrats Plan Pressure Campaign

Woman Who Survived Abortion Thanks Trump for Signing 'Born Alive' Executive Order