A prominent atheist activist group has filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking to have the historic phrase "In God We Trust" removed from the nation's currency, the Christian News Network reports. The Freedom From Religion Foundation issued a press release this week about the suit, advising that the case is being handled by well-known atheist Michael Newdow, who has filed numerous lawsuits challenging the mixture of God and government. The complaint, which has been filed in the U.S. District Courti n the Southern District of New York, claims the motto violates the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution as it serves to proselytize unbelievers. Those filing the lawsuit, which include seven children and their parents, along with other enttities and the group New York City Atheists, state they do not like being forced to look at the name of God on their money every time they make a purchase. "The motto necessarily excludes atheists and others who don't believe in one god or a god," FFRF asserts. "Our government is prohibited from endorsing one religion over another but also prohibited from endorsing religion over nonreligion." The motto "In God We Trust" has appeared on U.S. coins since 1864 and began being printed on paper currency in 1957.
