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An atheist group Tuesday called on the city of Orem, Utah, to drop “In God We Trust” as its motto after the city of 98,000 recently adopted the phrase.
“In these times of uncertainty and division, it is more important than ever to ground our community in the timeless values that have sustained us through the years,” Mayor David Young said at a recent ceremony. “Adopting ’In God We Trust’ as our city’s motto is a reflection of our collective faith, our commitment to one another, and our trust in the foundational principles that guide us.”
But the Freedom From Religion Foundation called the move inappropriate.
Chris Line, an attorney with the atheist organization, said in a demand letter to Mr. Young, “Statements about a god have no place on city-owned property. Public officials should not use their government position and government property to promote religious belief. The City serves all residents of Orem, not just those who believe in a God or a ‘higher purpose.’”
Mr. Line said, “The history of the motto ‘In God We Trust’ evidences no secular purpose; on the contrary, the motto was first adopted during the Cold War as a reaction to the purported ‘godlessness’ of Communism. America’s original motto was purely secular — ’E Pluribus Unum’ (‘out of many, one’) — and was selected by Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin.”
Orem, home to Utah Valley University, sits adjacent to Provo, home of Brigham Young University. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is set to dedicate a new temple there on Jan. 21.
In an October message, Mayor Young said the motto “can serve as a constant reminder that we are a community that sets high goals and is guided by a higher purpose.” He stated the phrase is featured on a license plate issued by the state, and is the motto of four cities or counties in the Beehive State.
In 2002, then-Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt, a Republican, signed legislation requiring “In God We Trust” to be displayed in public schools, with instruction about the national motto incorporated into the curriculum. A total of 12 U.S. states have similar display requirements for public schools, with nine additional states allowing the practice.
According to an Orem city official, the motto will appear on signage for city buildings and, parks.
• Mark A. Kellner can be reached at mkellner@washingtontimes.com.
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