Several employees of the American Bible Society have reportedly resigned over new regulations that include a prohibition on premarital sex.
According to Religion News Service (RNS), all employees at the organization will be required by 2019 to sign a document that affirms their commitment to adhere to traditional Christian values.
The document, titled "Affirmation of Biblical Community," effectively prevents sexually active employees in cohabitating relationships from working with the organization.
It states that all employees will be required to refrain from engaging in sexual activities outside of marriage, which has been defined as a union between a man and a woman.
"I will seek to refrain from sexual activity outside of the marriage covenant prescribed and exemplified in the Bible: 'a man will leave his father and mother and unite with his wife, and the two will become one,' symbolizing the relationship between Christ and His Church (Matthew 19:5; Ephesians 5:31)," the document reportedly reads.
The new policy would also require employees to be "involved in a local Christian church" and "be involved in ministering to the needs of others, both within and beyond our communities."
The American Bible Society, which was founded more than two centuries ago, has said that the new policy is aimed at bringing "unity and clarity."
"We did this because we believe a staff made up of people with a deep and personal connection to the Bible will bring unity and clarity as we continue our third century of ministry," Roy Peterson, President and CEO of the society, said in a statement to RNS.
Peterson acknowledged that "there are differing views on these matters," but he contended that the decision was not aimed at pushing for "any cause other than increased engagement with the Bible."
The document was reportedly unveiled to the society's employees back in December. At least nine employees have reportedly already resigned because of the changes to the policy, according to RNS.
Others have indicated that they are seeking employment elsewhere and are likely to switch to another job before the policy comes into effect
