MAJOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM VICTORY OF 2021
“For you were called to freedom, brothers.” – Galatians 5:13a
Since 1869, the Kentucky Christian ministry, Sunrise Children Services, has been at the forefront of providing care for vulnerable children who have been abused or neglected. Sunrise Children’s Home has provided safety, help, and hope for children who have been severely abused physically, emotionally, and sexually.
For years the state of Kentucky has signed contracts with Sunrise Children Services to provide funding so that the ministry can continue serving and helping children in need. Unfortunately, this year in 2021, for months, Governor Andy Beshear refused to sign a new contract with Sunrise Children’s Services unless it agreed to violate its religious beliefs.
This standoff between Governor Beshear and the Sunrise Children Services ignited a massive battle where religious liberty hung in the balance. After a months-long war over religious liberty, Governor Beshaer retreated and relented from his religious discrimination against Sunrise Children’s Services.
Governor Beshaer’s administration only surrendered in the fight after an impactful unanimous U.S. Supreme Court decision (Fulton), increasing political pressure, and the mounting force of The Family Foundation’s petition. This surrender by Governor Beshaer brought forth a major religious freedom victory this year, and once again reinforced our foundational right to religious liberty.
LET US PRAY . . .
Father, please bless Sunrise Children’s Services as the ministry continues to care for vulnerable children who have been abused or neglected. Father, we praise You, for this major victory for religious freedom this year. Lord, empower us, to continue to stand and fight for religious liberty in 2022. May there be many victories for religious freedom in the year ahead. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
