Washington, D.C. – In response to the House Judiciary Committee’s passage of legislation, now eligible to be sent to the full House, that would reaffirm “In God We Trust” as the nation’s motto and encourage its placement on public buildings, Interfaith Alliance President Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy issued the following statement:
Contrary to what some members of the Judiciary Committee might suggest, and despite the religious freedom concerns raised by employing the phrase “In God We Trust” as a national motto for a country that was built on ensuring the proper boundaries between religion and government, there is no real danger of that motto being replaced. There are far more important and pressing issues for the Judiciary Committee to be focusing on, and if its members are interested, we would be happy to provide them with a list. The religious freedoms of American citizens are certainly at risk and the Judiciary Committee’s time would be much better spent holding hearings on issues like religious freedom in the workplace, charitable choice programs and the faith-based initiative.
Interfaith Alliance celebrates religious freedom by championing individual rights, promoting policies that protect both religion and democracy, and uniting diverse voices to challenge extremism. Founded in 1994, Interfaith Alliance brings together members from 75 faith traditions as well as those without a faith tradition to protect faith and freedom. For more information visit www.interfaithalliance.org.