Missouri sheriff's 'In God We Trust' patrol car decals spark church vs. state debate

close

Video

Atheists offended by sheriff's bumper-sticker salute

Missouri lawman puts 'In God We Trust' on patrol cars

A Missouri sheriff has slapped “In God We Trust” decals on patrol cars saying “there is no better time than now” to be displaying the national motto.

Sheriff Doug Rader of Stone County in the Ozarks said he was proud to announce that  the decals are now on the back of department vehicles, but not everyone is pleased, Fox2Now reports.

“Very simple and ill state for the record, I’m not offended that these decals exist, IT’S INAPPROPRIATE TO HAVE THEM ON GOVERNMENT PROPERTY. No voting required, it’s a violation of church and state. You are showing preference to a religion, how is this such a mystery? “ Nathan Belden said in a comment posted on the Sheriff’s Facebook page.

The station said some are also questioning where the money came from to pay for the decals. The Sheriff’s Department said it used money donated from local businesses to buy them, not taxpayer funds.

Rader said on Facebook July 21 that the decals were appropriate because “In God We Trust” became the national motto in 1956 and is on all U.S. currency.

“There has been no better time than now to proudly display our National Motto!” the sheriff wrote.

He told KSPR-TV that he recognizes that not everyone feels the same way.

“A lot of negativity is coming from people outside the state,” Rader said, adding, “It is part of our heritage, it is patriotic.”

Larry Smith on Facebook agreed with the sheriff: “We need to see more and more of this! Who cares about political correctness! i stand with GOD!” he said.

So did Bill Talbot. “So glad to see this It is showing the public that they are not ashamed to profess that our trust for our country needs to be in God and nothing or anyone else!!!!!!!!” he said.

Besides Belden, another who disagreed was Justin DeCourtenay. “Putting that on your police vehicles sends a very clear message to your community,” he said. It screams, ‘We're here to serve and protect, if you're Christian.’ It does not belong on a Government Vehicle.”

Fox2Now said the sheriff’s post has been shared more than 25,000 times and is approaching 70,000 likes.