Employees quit American Bible Society over new sex and marriage rules
The statement of faith is the latest sign that the organization has shifted away from its ecumenical roots toward a more narrow evangelical identity.
The building that houses the American Bible Society in Philadelphia stands across from the National Museum of American Jewish History, with the statue Religious Liberty in front. Photo by Celeste Kennel-Shank for the Christian Century.
The American Bible Society will soon require all employees to adhere to a statement of faith that includes a conservative code of sexual ethics.
Several employees have resigned in protest of the new policy and more plan to do so.
The statement of faith requires employees to “refrain from sexual contact outside the marriage covenant,” which it defines as “a man . . . with his wife,” citing Matthew 19:5 and Ephesians 5:31. Employees are also asked to affirm: “I choose to honor the covenant of marriage as a lifelong commitment, and I choose to pursue all reasonable avenues of reconciliation should my spouse and I have unresolved conflict.”
