The words “In God We Trust” will soon appear below the City of Manteca seal in the council chambers.

The council unanimously on Tuesday supported Councilman Dave Breitenbucher’s proposal to place the four words that constitute the national motto only in that one location and not anywhere else in or on municipal buildings or on city vehicles.

“It’s about pride in country and not a religion,” Breitenbucher said.

The council directed the size of the lettering match that used in the city seal for the “Family City” municipal motto.

The council repeatedly stressed  they were simply placing “In God We Trust” — the national motto formally adopted by Congress in 1956 and signed into law by President Dwight Eisenhower —  on display as a background for city meetings.

The move was supported by two speakers that referenced the United States being formed as a Christian nation and who cited passages from the Bible.

“I believe in God, maybe a different god than different people,” noted Councilman Jose Nuño as he alluded to the word “god” being viewed with a lower case “g”. 

Nuño added having the national motto in the council chamber “was a positive message.”

The only other speaker from the public voiced concern that the city could be sending a message that those who were not of a religious faith regardless of the god that is worshipped that they weren’t part of the Manteca community from the city’s perspective.

“I can see the points on both sides,” said Councilman Charlie Halford who re-emphasized the four words are the entirety of the national motto.

Manteca will now join Lodi and Lathrop in having “In God We Trust” in their city council chambers.

The motto first appeared on the two-cent piece in 1864. It was added to paper currency in 1957.

 The U.S. Supreme Court has referenced the motto in footnotes on rulings. The high court has never ruled on its constitutionality.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com