The American Bible Society, which distributes copies of the Holy Bible around the world, is reportedly planning to tell its employees not to have sex outside of marriage – and only when it's between a man and woman.
The non-profit group, founded in 1816, will ask its staffers, beginning in January 2019, to sign a contract requiring them to "refrain from sexual contact outside the marriage covenant," the Religious News Service reports.
According to the society's Affirmation of Biblical Community, that covenant as "prescribed and exemplified in the Bible says '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."
The affirmation appears to effectively prohibit sexually-active same sex couples and people living together from working at the nondenominational, Philadelphia-based group.
The proposed code of sexual ethics has prompted some employees to resign.
"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," President and CEO Roy Peterson told the Religious News Service.
"We understand there are differing views on these matters. This decision does not signal intent to advocate or champion any cause other than increased engagement with the Bible."
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