One of nation's largest Christian foster agencies will not allow LGBTQ couples to adopt children

One of the nation's largest Christian foster care and adoption agencies will no longer allow LGBTQ couples to foster or adopt children through its programs, clarifying a years-old policy and citing a renewed commitment to its religious beliefs.

Bethany Christian Services announced the change in a Wednesday press release, saying future foster families must align with the organization's Statement of Faith and Belief.

"Clarity around our Christian identity is essential to our Christian witness and critical to the long-term health, sustainability, and impact of our mission," Keith Cureton, CEO of Bethany Christian Services, told Fox News Digital in a statement.

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"We believe this clarity strengthens our ministry, honors those we serve, and reinforces alignment with partners who share our faith convictions," Cureton added.

Bethany Christian Services, headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was founded in 1944, and is a faith-based non-for-profit that serves over 25 U.S. states and is "dedicated to helping children and families thrive."

"This work is about reinforcing the Christian foundation that has guided our organization for more than 80 years," a spokesperson for Bethany Christian Services told Fox News Digital in a statement Friday.

 "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."

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The "God’s design for marriage" section in the "Statement of faith and belief" dated 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 press release also clarified, "The organization will continue to serve all children and families who seek its help, regardless of their individual circumstances, beliefs, or background. Bethany will do so motivated by its Christian faith and in accordance with its sincerely held Christian beliefs." 

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