Council Likes 'In God We Trust'

“In God We Trust” will be coming to a city hall near you.

The San Juan Capistrano City Council liked the idea a resident promoted to have the nation’s motto featured somewhere in the government building. A subcommittee will form to figure out exactly where and how it should be displayed.

“I think it will be a blessing for this city,” said resident Jeff Péo, who, with friends from his church, are willing to foot the bill.

Councilman Sam Allevato envisioned an educational display featuring replicas of important national documents in what is called a freedom shrine.

But one student, Erica Delamare, said she would prefer to keep church and state separate.

“It’s a community hall, not a place of worship,” said the San Juan Hills High School student. “I am a Catholic, and I believe in God. But I believe City Hall should remain neutral.”

Péo said he had done his research and found that three times, the U.S. Supreme Court has found that the nation’s motto does not marry government with organized religion.

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