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

Remembering 'God's General' Reinhard Bonnke: 'Jesus Did Not Call Us to Deliver Sermons, He Called Us to Deliver People'

Pro-Life Win: Supreme Court Upholds Kentucky Ultrasound Law

Guatemala's New President to Designate Hezbollah as a Terrorist Organization: 'The Friends of Israel Are Our Friends and the Enemies of Israel Are Our Enemies'

CEO Pays for Military Members to Fly Home for Christmas, Sparking Generous Trend: 'Anybody Could Do This'

[Watch] The Moment This Deaf Baby Hears Her Mum's Voice after Her Hearing Aids Are Switched On: 'Her Face Lights Up'

Christian Music Industry Artists Weigh in on Their New Peer, Kanye West

Worship Leaders Lift the Name of Jesus in the White House: 'Let This Sound Give You Great Hope for America!'

The Cross Is 'a Powerful Reminder of the Meaning of Christmas' President Trump Lights the National Christmas Tree and Highlights the Reason for the Season

Evangelist Alveda King: How the 'Grinchy' Press Attacks Christmas

Blockbuster Report: US Adds 266,000 Jobs as Unemployment Hits 50-Year Low 3.5%

Prayer Alert: 4 Dead, Including Gunman, in Florida Naval Base Shooting

Hunter Biden Tied to Ukrainian Who's in Big Trouble: $50,000 a Month for What?

Bloomberg Foundation Has Given More Than $13 Million to Planned Parenthood

Dr. Corinne: Ways to Help Make Your New Year a Positive One

'Jesus Got a Tight Grip on My Soul': Why Putting God in His Life and Music Now Makes Sense to Blake Shelton

Kanye West and Joel Osteen Are Reportedly Planning a Massive Event at Yankee Stadium

'No Matter What Color Your Skin, We Are All Kin': Texas Black Church Hires White Pastor

Botham Jean's Brother Receives Ethical Courage Award for Christ-Like Display of Forgiveness

'Abhorrent': While Nancy Pelosi Moves ahead with 'Articles of Impeachment', Sen. Rand Paul is 'Alarmed at the Abuse of Power by Adam Schiff', It's 'Exactly What He’s Accusing the President of’

No Christians Allowed: Muslim UN Officials Block Syrian Christian Refugees from Getting Help