RNS Morning Report - Is Bethany’s break with LGBTQ+ people a bellwether for foster care?

Is Bethany’s break with LGBTQ+ people a bellwether for foster care? After six years as a foster parent with Bethany Christian Services, Stacey Goodson, based in Western Michigan, has served her last foster youth — for now. “I closed my license immediately,” Goodson told RNS National Reporter Kathryn Post. “I’m just not willing to be a part of something that I’m so strongly against.” Her decision comes as stakeholders respond to the news that the influential evangelical nonprofit, which offers adoption, foster care and refugee and immigration services, will no longer employ or partner with people who are LGBTQ-affirming. While Bethany expects  the change to create more foster placements among evangelical supporters, LGBTQ-affirming advocates fear foster youth will bear the cost of the change. Data shows that LGBTQ+ people are over 2.5 times more likely than non-LGBTQ+ people to seek to foster and adopt, and LGBTQ+ youth are also overrepresented in the foster care system.     Top Stories Is Bethany’s break with LGBTQ+ people a bellwether for foster care? (RNS) — LGBTQ+ advocates worry the change will mean fewer beds for foster youth. Haitian immigrants revived a church. Now the pews are empty. (RNS) — With the Supreme Court set to rule on whether Haitians will lose Temporary Protected Status, fear is emptying church pews. At St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church in Elizabeth, New Jersey, the Haitian immigrants who brought life to the congregation are gone. Police charge a third suspect in a Melbourne synagogue arson allegedly directed by Iran MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team, which brings together federal and state police with a spy agency, charged the man, who has not been named, with offenses including arson. Opinion From ‘feigele’ to free: What does it mean to be LGBTQ+ and Orthodox? (RNS) — Two identities seem to be in a wrestling match — but both can win. A Catholic schism over women deacons? Many opponents have already left. (RNS) — Those who reject papal authority are already out the door. The women who have given up hoping for change are on the way out, too. ICYMI With Cuba in crisis, faith groups work to influence policy, deliver aid (RNS) — U.S. Republican administrations have long seen faith groups as a cornerstone for humanitarian aid and community trust as they push for regime change in Cuba. Which Bible passages are in Texas’ proposed student reading list? Here’s what the sections reveal. (RNS) — The chosen readings, to be voted on by the State Board of Education, draw heavily from Christian perspectives. Support Our Work As a nonprofit newsroom that covers all faiths, RNS sits uniquely at the intersection of freedom of the press and freedom of religion. News tips or feedback? Email comments@religionnews.com. Like the Morning Report? Share it with a friend. Forwarded this newsletter? Subscribe here. We rely on reader donations to power our reporting. Donate here. Or send a check to: Religion News Foundation PO Box 1808 Columbia, MO 65205

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