NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A recent poll shows most Americans have no problem allowing references to God in the public sector, according to a news report by Baptist Press.

A USA/CNN/Gallup poll released Sept. 30 found that 90 percent of 1,003 adults interviewed by telephone nationwide said they approved of the inscription "In God We Trust" on U.S. coins, while only 8 percent disapproved and 2 percent had no opinion.

Additionally, 71 percent said if they walked into a public school classroom and the teacher's desk had a Bible on it, they would consider that to be a good thing. Only 18 percent said it would be bad and 9 percent said it did not matter.

A non-denominational prayer as part of the official program at a public school ceremony would be acceptable to 78 percent of those poled and unacceptable to 21 percent, the news service reported.

Seventy percent said they though a public display of the Ten Commandments was acceptable in public schools or government buildings, while 29 percent disapproved. Likewise, 73 percent said they did not believe such a monument in a courthouse sends a message that the justice system favors Jews and Christians. Twenty-five percent said it does.

Other results, as reported by the news service, show:

• 62 percent said they believe some people file lawsuits opposing such things as prayer in public schools or displays of religious symbols in government buildings because they are trying to protect themselves or others from having religion forced onto them. Thirty-one percent said they believe those who sue do so to turn the United States into a godless society.
• 58 percent said it is acceptable to display Christian symbols in public places or government buildings as long as symbols of other religions are also displayed. Twenty-nine percent said it is unacceptable to display any religious symbols.
• 54 percent said any time government promotes the teachings of a religion it can harm the rights of people outside that religion, while 40 percent said the government can do so without harming such people.
• 60 percent said they believe religious leaders should not try to influence government policy on abortion, while 38 percent said they should.
• 53 percent said religious leaders should try to influence government policy on prayer in public schools, while 46 percent said they should not.