Fresno City Council approves resolution to install "in God We Trust" on council wall

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A divisive resolution to display the national motto "In God We Trust" in the Fresno City Council chamber won approval Thursday.

The resolution passed unanimously, with council member Oliver Baines absent from the vote.

Councilman Garry Bredefeld had been leading the push. Dozens of people on both sides of the issue packed the chamber speaking out in favor and against adding the words to the wall.

"Right now I happen to think the country is the most divided it's ever been in my lifetime. And you have an opportunity right now to fall in line with that great lineage of making this statement 'In God We Trust' not as a divisive statement but as a unifying thing," said Alan Autry, a proponent of the resolution.

"You think this is going to be inclusive? You think this is patriotism? Not for non-believers, not for atheists, and not for those who are free thinkers. I'm letting you know right now you're setting Fresno back. And I hope you consider this and you may vote yes but I think you'll regret it. Mark my words," said Juan Avita who was against the resolution.

Bredefeld said no public money will be spent to add the words to the wall as it will be privately funded.