Religion declining in U.S., but more cities, like Irvine, seek to add ‘In God We Trust’ motto to city halls

San Juan Capistrano is one of the Orange County cities that's added the motto, "In God We Trust," to its civic buildings. FILE: THE REGISTER

by Sarah de Crescenzo

As the percentage of Americans who consider themselves unaffiliated with a religion grows, the number of Orange County cities using municipal facilities and time to recognize religion also is on the upswing.

Orange County is home to countless churches, including Saddleback Church, one of the nation’s largest. Irvine Mayor Steven Choi has said the city encompasses more than 80 places of worship.

Members of that religious community cheered in recent years as city after city approved proposals to acknowledge faith inside the walls of City Hall by displaying the nation’s motto “In God We Trust” at the dais and beginning council meetings with prayer.

Tonight, the Irvine council considers adding the phrase to its halls – mirroring a move made by many Orange County cities, starting in 2007 with Westminster.

---