FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – The ‘In God We Trust’ national motto is set to be displayed in the Fresno County Board of Supervisors chambers following a majority vote.

Fresno County Supervisor Garry Bredefeld was the one who initially proposed the item, which passed four to one during the board’s meeting on Tuesday.

The item was met with support from some constituents, but also opposition; those opposing the sign stated that it would not be inclusive to Fresno citizens and would even “marginalize members of the community” with different beliefs.

“Our country was not founded as a theocracy. Please do not force your beliefs on us,” said Amanda. “I personally do not think that my tax dollars should go to funding something that I myself do not believe in and other members of this community do not believe in.”

Those agreeing with the item stated the sign would not divide, but instead unify, while “supporting all faiths.”

Others, such as Reverend Simon Biasell-Moshrefi, a pastor from the Big Red Church on Van Ness Boulevard, stated that “In God We Trust” is not just a motto, but a practice – he suggested displaying the sign in front of the board members instead of behind them.

“I would encourage the county taking on trusting in God, but as the practice, not as a motto,” he said. “If it is that important to have this motto displayed, maybe you have it in front of each of you. So that each time you sit in that chair, you are reminded that you put your trust in God, not trust in money or power or force.”

That suggestion was followed, and two signs displaying the national motto were approved. They will be displayed on both sides of the chamber.