Christian charity rejects large donation from atheist in Oklahoma

The Murrow Indian Children's Home refused a large sum of money raised by an atheist for its advertising campaign, saying it would go against the Bible. Matt Wilbourn, the donor, first tried to donate $100 on Monday. Wilbourn raised more money through a crowdfunding campaign when his first offer was rejected.

According to Patheos, Wilbourn's company used to print the charity's advertisements for free because it was a good cause. This year, however, the charity organization insisted on paying for the service.

As an act of goodwill, Wilbourn decided to contribute $100 under the name "Muskogee Atheist Community." He later received a call from the charity informing him that his donation would not be accepted. He was advised to change the name on the donation but he refused.

According to Murrow's Facebook page, the words, "In Honor of the Muskogee Atheist Community," would have to be printed on the advertisement. The charity expressed its gratitude but refused the donation, citing that it would violate "biblical principles."

"Murrow cannot honor the atheist non-belief in God our father, and honor God our father under our Biblical principles," the statement said.  "Those two positions are totally opposite of each other. Therefore, we must respectfully decline the donation and the request to honor the atheist community with the donation in an advertisement for a Murrow fundraising event," it added.

Wilbourn was able to raise a total of $28,280. The GoFundMe page stated that $5,000 will be donated anonymously to the children's home and the remaining amount will be donated to Camp Quest Oklahoma.

Some Christian donors commended Wilbourn for his efforts.

"Hello! I am a Christian and former social worker. I think the donation was a wonderful act of charity, and the children deserved the funds you offered," one donor posted.

The charity organization received criticism on Facebook for refusing the donation. One commenter posted, "Where in the Bible is it written not to accept money from atheists? When did Jesus say that? You misunderstand Christianity."