By L.A. Williams
Christian Action League
May 3, 2023
The N.C. House voted 93-21 Tuesday to display the words “In God We Trust” behind the dais of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate. If the Senate approves, House Bill 215 will take effect in July, nearly 67 years after President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed into law a declaration making the four simple words the nation’s official motto.
The Rev. Mark Creech, executive director of the Christian Action League of North Carolina, said such a display would not only honor tradition and reaffirm our nation’s founding principles, but would also promote patriotism, recognize the role of faith in our nation’s history and culture and uphold the Constitution by showing our country’s commitment to freedom of religion and freedom of speech.
“Displaying the national motto on state buildings helps to reinforce our national identity and collective history,” Creech said. “It sends a message that we are proud of our country and its accomplishments, and that we are committed to upholding the principles and values that have made it great.”
During a time of political polarization and social division, Creech said the national motto can also serve as a unifying symbol.
“It reminds us that we are all Americans, and that we share a common purpose and destiny,” he said.
Rep. Ben Moss (R-Moore) filed the bill in February in partnership with the U.S. Motto Action Committee, which is seeking to place the motto in all 100 counties of the state.
“North Carolina is one state, and part of one nation under God,” Moss said then. “Having our national motto, ‘In God We Trust,’ in the center of the House Chamber will serve as a constant reminder that with every vote we take, we do as an act of service to the Lord our God and to help advance His Kingdom in our elected capacity – and I believe strongly that this legislation will help retain our religious founding and our nation’s identity.”
The USMAC reports that at least 118 government entities have agreed to display “In God We Trust” in or on their buildings. Another 250 permanent displays have been set up in 68 counties and 50 town halls across the state. Numerous sheriff’s offices, police, and fire departments in North Carolina have partnered with the organization to display the motto.
In addition to Moss, Reps. Keith Kidwell (R-Beaufort), Jeffrey McNeely (R-Iredell), and Frank Sossamon (R-Granville) are primary sponsors of the bill, which requires that the display be consistent with the one located directly above and behind the dais of the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.
