Bethany Christian Services has announced it is rolling back its 2021 policy of inclusion, reinstituting a strict ban on same-sex couples looking to foster or adopt children.
The Michigan-based evangelical agency, which operates in more than 25 states, has updated its foundational Statement of Faith to explicitly define marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman. Under the newly implemented guidelines, all regional staff and prospective foster families must sign and align with this biblical doctrine by June 2027 in order to remain with the organization.
Civil rights organizations have swiftly condemned the reversal as a discriminatory step backward that weaponizes religious doctrine against qualified parents. However, the agency’s leadership defends the decision, stating the policy shift is vital to reinforce its core Christian identity. Advocates warn the ban will worsen the ongoing foster care crisis by turning away stable, welcoming homes.
