One of America’s largest Christian foster care and adoption agencies has announced it will no longer license or re-license LGBTQ couples as foster families, in a move it says reflects a renewed commitment to its religious foundations rather than a new policy direction.
Bethany Christian Services, a faith-based non-profit headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, confirmed the change in a press release on Wednesday, stating that all future and existing foster families will be required to align with the organisation’s Statement of Faith and Belief from June 2027. Founded in 1944, the organisation operates across more than 25 US states and describes its mission as helping children and families thrive.
Keith Cureton, chief executive of Bethany Christian Services, told Fox News Digital the change was about clarity rather than transformation. “Clarity around our Christian identity is essential to our Christian witness and critical to the long-term health, sustainability, and impact of our mission,” he said. “We believe this clarity strengthens our ministry, honors those we serve, and reinforces alignment with partners who share our faith convictions.”
A spokesperson for the organisation framed the move as a return to its founding principles. “This work is about reinforcing the Christian foundation that has guided our organization for more than 80 years,” the spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “These actions flow from our conviction that faithfulness to God’s Word must remain central to our mission of demonstrating the love and compassion of Jesus through quality social services. Beginning June 2027, Bethany will only license and re-license foster families whose Christian faith and beliefs align with our Statement of Faith and Belief. We will communicate directly with families to help them understand expectations and next steps. Families who are not aligned with Bethany Christian Services Statement of Faith and Belief and Christian mission will be supported through a thoughtful transition process.”
The organisation’s updated Statement of Faith and Belief, dated June 2027, includes a section titled “God’s design for marriage,” which 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 press release stressed that the change would not affect the children and families the organisation serves. “The organization will continue to serve all children and families who seek its help, regardless of their individual circumstances, beliefs, or background,” it stated. “Bethany will do so motivated by its Christian faith and in accordance with its sincerely held Christian beliefs.”
