Full Breakdown
Bethany Christian Services Bars LGBTQ Couples from Foster Care and Adoption
6/14/2026, 3:21:11 AM
Policy Shift Excludes LGBTQ Couples
On June 13 2026, Bethany Christian Services announced that, effective June 2027, it will license and re-license foster families only if their Christian faith and beliefs align with the agency’s Statement of Faith and Belief. The change clarifies a longstanding policy and explicitly excludes LGBTQ couples from fostering or adopting children through the organization’s programs. The announcement was made via a press release and subsequent interviews with the agency’s leadership.
Background and Organizational Context
Bethany Christian Services is a faith-based, non-profit agency headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Founded in 1944, the organization has operated for more than 80 years, providing foster care, adoption, and other social services to children and families. It reports serving children and families across over 25 U.S. states, positioning itself as “dedicated to helping children and families thrive” while grounding its work in Christian doctrine.
Key Leadership and Governance
Keith Cureton, chief executive officer of Bethany Christian Services, is the primary spokesperson for the policy change. A agency spokesperson also addressed the press release, emphasizing that the new licensing criteria flow from the organization’s conviction to keep “faithfulness to God’s Word” central to its mission. The Statement of Faith and Belief, which guides the new policy, includes a “God’s design for marriage” clause affirming marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman.
Data and Operational Scope
- Founded: 1944
- Headquarters: Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Geographic reach: services provided in more than 25 U.S. states
- Mission duration: over 80 years of operation
These figures illustrate the agency’s long-standing presence in the national foster-care landscape.
Official Statements and Organizational Response
In its press release, Bethany Christian Services affirmed that it will continue to serve all children and families who seek its assistance, regardless of individual circumstances, beliefs, or background, while emphasizing that the policy reflects its “sincerely held Christian beliefs.” The agency pledged a “thoughtful transition process” for families that do not meet the new faith-alignment criteria, promising direct communication to explain expectations and next steps.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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
- “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.” — Bethany Christian Services Statement of Faith
- “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.” — Agency spokesperson
- “Check out more newsletters 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.” — Press release
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The provided sources contain no alternative accounts or external criticism of the policy change. Consequently, the article cannot present divergent perspectives or identify gaps beyond the agency’s own statements.
What’s Next
Beginning June 2027, Bethany Christian Services will enforce the new licensing standards, requiring prospective foster families to affirm the agency’s Statement of Faith and Belief. Families that do not meet the criteria will receive support through a transition process outlined by the organization. The agency has indicated that it will monitor the implementation and communicate further updates as the policy takes effect.
