In 1984, the National Council of Churches adopted this policy statement on child day care which provides: (1) a social and theological rationale; (2) a discussion of the church internally as child care advocate; and (3) a view of the church as advocate for child care in society. Section I discusses the cresting tide of need for child day care in the United States, the role of the church in providing child care and as participant in the national dialogue on child care, and the vocation of the church in child care. Section II discusses evangelism, ministry/service, community ministry, and ministry to unserved or underserved populations as aspects of assuming an intentional mission in child care. Section II also discusses two issues for church-operated child care programs: program quality and the role of the church as Christian educator in child care. Conditions favoring the church's role as child care provider are indicated. Section III describes the church's approach to advocacy, and discusses basic advocacy issues, church exemptions as a challenge to the church's commitment, the well-being of providers, and the church's social responsibility as advocate. Basic advocacy issues addressed include parental choice, and, in terms of the importance of licensing and assuring equity in program quality, standards of quality. (RH)