An atheist group Tuesday known as on town of Orem, Utah, to drop “In God We Belief” as its motto after town of 98,000 not too long ago adopted the phrase.

“In these instances of uncertainty and division, it’s extra vital than ever to floor our group within the timeless values which have sustained us via the years,” Mayor David Younger stated at a latest ceremony. “Adopting ‘In God We Belief‘ as our metropolis’s motto is a mirrored image of our collective religion, our dedication to at least one one other, and our belief within the foundational ideas that information us.”

However the Freedom From Faith Basis known as the transfer inappropriate. 

Chris Line, an legal professional with the atheist group, stated in a requirement letter to Mr. Younger, “Statements a few god haven’t any place on city-owned property. Public officers shouldn’t use their authorities place and authorities property to advertise non secular perception. The Metropolis serves all residents of Orem, not simply those that imagine in a God or a ‘greater function.’”

Mr. Line stated, “The historical past of the motto ‘In God We Belief’ evidences no secular function; quite the opposite, the motto was first adopted throughout the Chilly Warfare as a response to the purported ‘godlessness’ of Communism. America’s authentic motto was purely secular — ’E Pluribus Unum’ (‘out of many, one’) — and was chosen by Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin.”

Orem, house to Utah Valley College, sits adjoining to Provo, house of Brigham Younger College. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is ready to dedicate a brand new temple there on Jan. 21.

In an October message, Mayor Younger stated the motto “can function a continuing reminder that we’re a group that units excessive targets and is guided by the next function.” He said the phrase is featured on a license plate issued by the state, and is the motto of 4 cities or counties within the Beehive State.

In 2002, then-Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt, a Republican, signed laws requiring “In God We Belief” to be displayed in public colleges, with instruction concerning the nationwide motto integrated into the curriculum. A complete of 12 U.S. states have comparable show necessities for public colleges, with 9 further states permitting the observe.

Based on an Orem metropolis official, the motto will seem on signage for metropolis buildings and, parks.