The United States must preserve the historical significance of God in the nation's founding, Brad Dacus told the 13th annual Clallam County Leadership Prayer Breakfast on Friday, Oct. 23.

Dacus is founder and president of Pacific Justice Institute, that stresses religious liberties and parental rights.

The breakfast was held at Sequim Community Church.

The PJI is leading the fight to keep "In God We Trust" on the national currency by intervening as a co-defendant with the U.S. government against a lawsuit calling for its removal brought by atheist Michael Newdow. He also filed suit stating the Pledge of Allegiance in schools is unconstitutional.

After two years, a decision still is pending from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals regarding the motto.

Speaking on "Defending Faith, Family

& Freedom," Dacus also talked about the country's Founding Fathers and how the formation of America's government was heavily influenced by Christianity and the Bible.

Before founding the Pacific Justice Institute in 1997, Dacus served as legislative assistant to U.S. Sen. Phil Gramm, R-Texas, and earned his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law.

He has been a guest speaker on numerous shows including ABC's "Good Morning America," "The Today Show," "CNN," "Hannity and Colmes," "News Talk TV," "MSNBC," "NBC News," NBC "Dateline" and 13 times on the "O'Reilly Factor.

He has debated the president of the Ameri can Civil Liberties Union and the president of Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

Also participating in the prayer breakfast were:

_ Howie Ruddell, as master of ceremonies

_ Chris Cumming, youth pastor at First Baptist Church of Port Angeles, who provided the invocation

_ Steven Kennedy, co-owner of Atlas Trucking, Inc., who presented the music

_ Kathy Schreiner, who read the "Prayer for Leadership" written by Ross Hamilton

_ The Rev. John Pierce, pastor of Lighthouse Christian Center in Port Angeles, who gave the benediction.