One of the country’s most prominent Christian adoption agencies has announced a policy shift reversing a previous decision that allowed LGBTQ+ couples to foster or adopt through the organization, according to a recent press release.
In the statement, Bethany Christian Services announced it is “expanding and reaffirming its Statement of Faith and Belief, which will include both the Apostles’ Creed and longstanding biblical principles previously affirmed by the organization.”
The section on “God’s design for marriage” in Bethany’s updated Statement of Faith and Belief, which will go into effect in June 2027, reads:
“We believe God designed the family as the primary structure for love, care, and human flourishing. We work to strengthen families and preserve them whenever possible. We affirm the biblical design of marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman, established by God to reflect His love and faithfulness. This covenant reflects Christ’s love and provides a stable, nurturing environment for children.”
The updated policy is a return to previous restrictions Bethany placed on foster and adoptive families. In 2021, the Michigan-based organization expanded its services to include a wide array of families. In an internal letter to employees, its then-president, Chris Palusky, announced that its board of directors had decided “to offer services with the love and compassion of Jesus to the many types of families that exist in the world today.”
Though the letter never explicitly mentioned LGBTQ+ couples, it was widely reported, and subsequent actions confirmed, that it included families with same-sex parents.
The 2021 change came amid pressure from civil liberties groups. In a statement to Religion News Service, a spokesperson said the updated changes were not a result of external pressure but “reflect a decision to reinforce our Christian Identity by our Board and Executive Leadership following prayer and discernment.”
The move comes amid strong but declining support for issues around LGBTQ+ marriage. According to a recent Gallup poll, 65% of U.S. adults support same-sex marriage, down from a high of 71% in 2023.
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