‘In God We Trust’ motto coming to City Hall

God soon will have a place of prominence in Lafayette City Hall.

The City-Parish Council unanimously agreed Tuesday to prominently display in City Hall the national motto, “In God We Trust.”

Lafayette City-Parish President Joey Durel put the item on the agenda.

Councilman William Theriot, who rarely agrees with Durel, agreed with him on this issue, saying Lafayette is majority Christian.

“People get a little tired of minority groups of individuals telling the majority what they should be doing,” he said, drawing applause from the audience.

The proposal drew opposition from several residents.

Alexander Songe, who established the group Lafayette Atheists and Free Thinkers, said the motto was adopted nationally during the height of McCarthyism. He suggested instead that the motto, E Pluribus Unum or One From Many, be displayed.

Haywood Martin said such a display “moves us in the wrong direction.” Citing separation of church and state as a cornerstone of the nation, he said the motto’s display would be government pushing Christianity over other beliefs.

America is becoming more divided and politically charged as Conservatives take actions like this, Martin said.

Opal English said the motto displayed at City Hall will make her and others feel they aren’t welcomed there.

“We welcome you to believe what you wish,” Theriot said. “Shouldn’t we have the right to move forward with what we and the majority believe?”