In Theory

For example, Daniel Webster, addressing the New York Historical Society in 1852, said “If we ... neglect religious instruction and authority; ...no man can tell how sudden a catastrophe may overwhelm us and bury all our glory in profound obscurity.” On Sept. 10, 1782, the Continental Congress authorized printing Bibles to recommend to “the inhabitants of the Untied States.” And, in 1956, Congress added the words “In God We Trust” to our money.

My question to those who are offended by, “In God We Trust” at City Hall is why it does not offend them to take money with the identical words?

Pastor Dwight Tomlinson

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I see no problem with the separation of church and state by putting “In God We Trust” in our City Council. After all, this statement appears on our money, and we know that it refers to the God of all of us, not to some special God of some particular religion. However, I can see where those who do not believe in God might object, but because there is no reference to any specific religion it works for me.

Pastor Jim Turrell

Center for Spiritual Living

Newport-Mesa

I feel strongly that the City Council Chambers do not need to be a place for affirming one’s trust in God. I do feel conflicted about removing the words if they already exist and have an historical place on buildings of a certain age, but I see the inconsistency of religious words in government as incongruous with the separation of church and state. So while I completely understand the challenge involved in removing the words, I do not think that we are in a place in time where adding them is a good idea or consistent with our values of freedom of religion.

I am very conscious of the lines between church and state and have long been affiliated with Americans United For Separation of Church and State. While I find the words “In God We Trust” to be inspiring, calming and empowering; it is a statement of my faith to trust God. My faith affects the way I live out my life and is a part of every facet of it. However, I am always aware that my faith is not everyone’s faith, and certainly not the faith of a nation, state or city. My faith should not be imposed upon others. Similarly, I do not want another’s faith imposed upon me, nor is it legal to do so. Let’s affirm our trust in God by living it out in our lives, proclaiming it in our churches, mosques and synagogues, but not on the walls of our City Council Chambers.

The Rev. Sarah Halverson