American Bible Society to require sexuality codes

American Bible Society to require sexuality codes

NEW YORK — One of the oldest nonprofit organizations dedicated to distributing Bibles around the world will soon require all employees to adhere to orthodox Christian beliefs and heed a conservative code of sexual ethics.

Employees are resigning in protest of the new policy, which will effectively prohibit sexually active LGBT people and couples in cohabitating relationships from working for the American Bible Society. The organization presented its “Affirmation of Biblical Community” to employees in December 2017.

It requires employees to “refrain from sexual contact outside the marriage covenant,” which it defined as man and wife. The document also requires employees to be “involved in a local Christian church.” Beginning in January 2019 all employees will be required to sign the document. Those who don’t will be asked to tender their resignation.

At least nine of the organization’s 200 or so employees have quit already. Some said they are looking for jobs elsewhere and will likely take another job on or before January. (RNS)