World Vision made headlines earlier this year for publicly deciding married homosexuals would be allowed employment with the organization, then quickly reversing the decision after a negative backlash from sponsors. Now the non-profit group has asked its board members to sign a statement affirming that marriage is between one man and one woman.
World Vision previously referred to itself as a Christian organization; the group now seems to be becoming more evangelical. Well known leaders Rev. Leith Anderson, president of the National Association of Evangelicals and Jerry White, former president of evangelical group Navigators are to join the World Vision Board reports The BLAZE. It is possible that the evangelical shift is a strategic move to regain respect from the organization’s mostly evangelical donors.
World Vision president Richard Stearns had previously apologized for any pain and confusion the decision caused in a letter to sponsors. “Our board acknowledged that the policy change we made was a mistake...and we believe that [World Vision supporters] helped us to see that with more clarity...and we’re asking you to forgive us for that mistake,” Stearns said in a statement.
In March, 10,000 children worldwide lost sponsorships in the aftermath of the decision.
Publication date: June 27, 2014