NEW YORK – One of the most prominent evangelical charities in the country will start hiring people in same-sex marriages.
The president of World Vision announced the new policy for the U.S. in a letter to staff Monday.
President Richard Stearns says the board of the Christian group prayed about the issue for years as Christian denominations took different stands on recognizing same-sex relationships. They made the change hoping to avoid a divisive fight that would distract from service to the poor.
World Vision has an operating budget of nearly $1 billion and has humanitarian relief and economic development projects around the world. Almost one-fifth of its funding comes from the federal government.
Stearns stresses that World Vision has not endorsed same-sex marriage, but has “chosen to defer to the authority of local churches” on the issue. He says all employees must still sign a statement of faith and remain abstinent outside of marriage.
Very discouraging to hear double talk from World Vision. So many Christians are caving to gay marriage. Many Christians and this includes Pastors and Churches have given up the effort to save Biblical marriage.
Statement from Franklin Graham:
I was shocked today to hear of World Vision’s decision to hire employees in same-sex marriages. The Bible is clear that marriage is between a man and a woman. My dear friend, Bob Pierce, the founder of World Vision and Samaritan’s Purse, would be heartbroken. He was an evangelist who believed in the inspired Word of God. World Vision maintains that their decision is based on unifying the church – which I find offensive – as if supporting sin and sinful behavior can unite the church. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, the Scriptures consistently teach that marriage is between a man and woman and any other marriage relationship is sin.
Franklin Graham
President and CEO
Samaritan’s Purse
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
