The Long-Awaited Decision

In a victory for faith-based social service agencies across the country, a federal judge in Louisville has dismissed a lawsuit against Sunrise Children’s Services that questioned whether we should receive partial expense reimbursement from the state. The decision by U.S. District Court Judge Charles R. Simpson III followed a 10-year legal battle with taxpayers and the American Civil Liberties Union. Simpson ruled that the taxpayers had no standing to sue Sunrise, citing Hein v. Freedom from Religion Foundation. In that case, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against taxpayers challenging federal funding for a White House office that promotes faith-based social services. You can read more about the lawsuit dismissal from the Christian Legal Society, including the full decision.

What does the victory mean for Sunrise? Although an appeal is possible, we are moving on and focusing on providing care for the abused and neglected children of Kentucky without the distraction of a lawsuit. The legal process required the use of far too much of our staff’s time and resources.

However, the lawsuit made us a stronger agency as we took a hard look at our procedures and practices. We stood firm knowing that faith is a choice, and the opportunity for children to embrace faith is part of our mission. Every day, we choose compassion over coercion. For us, choice trumps indoctrination and hope overcomes despair. Thankfully, the ministry of Sunrise Children’s Services can continue unchanged. We are grateful for this outcome, because we know it’s best for the kids.