I am going to check into this further.
“What has led to Smithwick’s reversal of the stance he has so long maintained? His statement in the October 1 edition of the Western Recorder brings clarity. Regarding government money, Smithwick said, “We couldn’t operate without it…. If we lose our contract, we’re out of business.” In actuality, Sunrise operated for most of its 154-year history without government money and could continue to do so today, albeit with a much, much smaller budget.
In addition to what it would mean for the kids, another great tragedy of Smithwick’s recommendation is that it ignores the investment of untold tens of millions of Baptist dollars and surrenders the very reason Sunrise came into existence as Kentucky Baptists’ gospel-centered ministry to orphans and neglected children. The Covenant Agreement between the KBC and Sunrise states, “This relationship is built upon many years of faithful commitment and trust by many individuals and by many millions of dollars contributed by Kentucky Baptists in support.”
The Covenant Agreement also stipulates that Sunrise “shall maintain its distinctive Baptist character as set forth in its purpose and the support of the Kentucky Baptist Convention is based upon faithful adherence to that purpose.” If the trustees decide to follow Smithwick and surrender biblical values to maintain government funding, then clearly they will have forsaken the Baptist character of Sunrise and become the equivalent of any secular corporation that contracts with the state to provide childcare.”
http://www.paulchitwood.com/2013/10/23/its-about-the-kids/
“According to Baptist Press, that’s what Bill Smithwick, director of Sunrise Children’s Services said about his agency’s current dilemma. Sunrise was started by the Kentucky Baptist Convention to take care of orphans and provide other similar services. The KBC provides about 4-5% of the annual budget, with about 85% coming from government funding...
...The mistake was made when the KBC decided to get in bed with the government. Baptists, at their best, have shied away from government entanglements and alliances. It’s not only our cranky temperament but also our theology that makes us do so. Money is like a kite–there’s always a string attached.”
http://adamcpace.com/kentucky-orphans-caught-in-an-ethical-crossfire/
Also:
http://www.paulchitwood.com/2013/11/07/will-sunrise-become-the-poster-child/
and: