World Vision Lifts Gay Marriage Ban

If you haven’t heard yet, World Vision USA has lifted its ban on gay marriage, now allowing gay Christians in same-sex marriages to keep their jobs. The change was announced March 24th and undoubtedly will put many CCM “World Vision Artist Ambassadors” in a tough spot. For those that don’t know World Vision Artist Ambassador, in the CCM world, are Artists and Bands that promote World Vision at various concerts throughout the year. World Vision has signed top artists like Casting Crowns, Big Daddy Weave, Third Day, Francesca Battistelli, Lincoln Brewster and many more.

Click here for a complete listing of all World Vision Artists: Artist Ambassadors.

These CCM artist support World Vision by sharing the struggles of children all over the world from the stage, and then giving the audience an opportunity to take action. In return for their efforts World Vision will then pay the artist $50 or more per child signed up at any given event. I’m sure most of us have been to a concert and heard about World Vision from the stage and as a result signed up to support a child in need. (On a side note, if you haven’t ever signed up to support a child from a third world country I highly suggest that you do. These kids are in desperate need of the basics like food, water and medicine. There are many charities like World Vision that support Children in need, Compassion International and One Child Matters are two others that come to mind right of hand.)

“This is not an endorsement of same-sex marriage. We have decided we are not going to get into that debate. Nor is this a rejection of traditional marriage, which we affirm and support …We’re not caving to some kind of pressure. We’re not on some slippery slope …This is not us compromising. It is us deferring to the authority of churches and denominations on theological issues. We’re an operational arm of the global church, we’re not a theological arm of the church. This is simply a decision about whether or not you are eligible for employment at World Vision U.S. based on this single issue, and nothing more.”
World Vision’s U.S. President Rich Stearns

While Christian music isn’t technically a soap box for theological issues, informed CMM fans will undoubtedly want to know which side of the aisle there favorite World Vision artist stands on. Christian artists may be forced to answer tough questions like, can Christians be practicing homosexuals? World Vision President Rich Stearns said in his interview with Christianity Today that “someone in a same-sex marriage who is a professed believer in Jesus Christ” can now apply for a job and work for the charity. This kind of talk would lead some to believe that World Vision now agrees that same-sex couples can be true Christians and believers in Jesus Christ.

How do you think Christian Artists should respond?

Should they:
A. Continue supporting and promoting World Vision at events?
B. Look for another similar charity to partner with?
C. Don’t promote anything other than Christ at events?

[All references to “World Vision” refer to its U.S. branch only, not its international umbrella organization.]
By:Jones Beene

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