Canyon Lake Considers "In God We Trust"

By Douglas V. Gibbs

During a time when the display of religion is under attack in the United States, Canyon Lake, California, after a request by Mayor Mary Craton, is considering displaying the motto “In God We Trust” at city headquarters.

Council members will decide whether to adopt a resolution authorizing the display of the motto inside City Hall’s multi-purpose room, after the item was placed on the December 4, 2013 meeting agenda.

Canyon Lake is following a precedent set by the City of Bakersfield, which adopted the motto in 2002.

Neighboring city, Lake Elsinore, was sued last June by the Washington, D.C. based American Humanist Association over a proposed war memorial depicting a soldier in prayer.  Pacific Justice Institute is currently representing the City of Lake Elsinore in the case.

Lake Elsinore’s trial over their proposed veterans memorial began October 1, 2013, in a federal courtroom in Los Angeles.

Canyon Lake's decision to consider displaying "In God We Trust" at city headquarters may attract similar attention.  Bakersfield, however, has continued to encourage other cities to follow their lead.

Bakersfield City Councilmember Jacquie Sullivan founded an organization following her city's decision called ‘In God We Trust – America, Inc.’ for the purpose of encouraging every city in California and the United  States to follow the City of Bakersfield’s lead in displaying the motto."  According to her website, more than 100 California cities have adopted the motto.

-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary

'In God We Trust' Motto Considered for Canyon Lake - Lake Elsinore-Wildomar Patch

Trial starts over proposed vets memorial - Press Enterprise

PJI to defend Lake Elsinore in Atheist Lawsuit against Veterans Memorial - Pacific Justice Institute