By: Paul Goldberg – Senior Correspondent | LGBT Politics USA
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — (June 14, 2026) — One of the nation’s largest Christian foster care and adoption agencies has announced a major policy change that will limit future foster and adoptive placements to families whose beliefs align with the organization’s Christian statement of faith.
Bethany Christian Services, a faith-based nonprofit serving more than 25 states, said the revised policy will take effect in June 2027 and is intended to reinforce the organization’s religious mission and long-standing Christian identity.
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The agency, founded in 1944 and headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, said in a recent announcement that future foster families seeking licensing or renewal through Bethany must align with the organization’s Christian beliefs and ministry mission.
Keith Cureton, CEO of Bethany Christian Services, said the policy change reflects the organization’s commitment to its faith-based foundation.
“Clarity around our Christian identity is essential to our Christian witness and critical to the long-term health, sustainability and impact of our mission,” Cureton said.
“We believe this clarity strengthens our ministry, honors those we serve and reinforces alignment with partners who share our faith convictions.”
New Policy Takes Effect in June 2027
Under the revised standards, Bethany Christian Services will only license and re-license foster families whose beliefs align with the organization’s Christian mission and faith requirements.
The organization stated that families who do not meet those requirements will be assisted through a transition process before the June 2027 implementation date.
According to the agency’s Statement of Faith and Belief, the organization affirms marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman and describes the family as the primary structure for care, stability, and child development.
The statement reads in part:
“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.”
LGBTQ Advocacy Groups Expected to Respond
The announcement is likely to generate renewed debate among LGBTQ advocacy organizations, religious liberty groups, and child welfare advocates over the balance between faith-based organizational rights and equal access to foster care and adoption services.
While the new policy limits licensing eligibility through Bethany’s programs, the organization emphasized that it will continue providing services to all children and families seeking assistance, regardless of background, beliefs, or circumstances.
Bethany officials stated that the changes are designed to reinforce the Christian principles that have guided the organization for more than eight decades.
The policy will officially take effect beginning in June 2027.
References
- Bethany Christian Services Announcement
- Bethany Christian Services Statement of Faith and Belief (June 2027)
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