WATCH: North Carolina Atheist Group Objects to 'God' in Pledge

Atheist groups in North Carolina have posted billboards across the Tar Heel State to protest the words, "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The media push by The North Carolina Secular Association and other atheist groups involves a billboard which reads, "one nation indivisible," leaving out the words, "under God."

The billboard is one of six that have been placed across the state.

In Wilmington, N.C., Mike Connelly's antique shop is located right next to one of the billboards. Connelly said business is good right now, but he's concerned that could change.

"It's a little bit frustrating when you've got a relatively new business," he said. "You don't want any controversy whatsoever surrounding your establishment."

The group known as the Humanists and Freethinkers of Cape Fear supports the billboard campaign, saying the intention is not to cause controversy.

"The Pledge of Allegiance did not have 'under God' until it was added in 1954," Mike Werner, one of the group's leaders, said in a statement to the local media. "We want to bring awareness and want to enjoy the same dignity that everyone else does. It's a clear violation of church and state."