World Vision Australia confirms support for LGBTI employees

World Vision Australian and World Vision New Zealand have been quick to distance themselves from World Vision US after the group back-flipped on an announcement it would hire same sex couples.

Last week World Vision US President Richard Stearns announced the Christian group would embrace same-sex couples into the fold, before bowing to pressure from within World Vision ranks which forced him to reverse the decision.

In a media conference, President Richard Stearns commented rather than creating unity the decision had brokered disunity amongst the organisation.

"The last couple of days have been painful. We feel pain and a broken heart for the confusion we caused for many friends who saw this policy change as a strong reversal of World Vision's commitment to biblical authority, which it was not intended to be.

"Rather than creating more unity [among Christians], we created more division, and that was not the intent,

World Vision Australia responded to the news by reiterating their position on diversity in the workplace.

“World Vision Australia doesn't discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation in compliance with Australian laws, including equal opportunity legislation.

"Selection criteria for positions recruited is based on skills, knowledge, experience and capability to perform the role. According to World Vision Australia policy and Australian legislation, we do not ask questions about sexual orientation, marriage or lifestyle choices during recruitment interviews.

"The World Vision Australia employee manual sets out that 'it is unlawful for you to discriminate against a person because of their actual or assumed:gender, gender identity, lawful sexual activity, sexual orientation.”

World Vision New Zealand released a press release on the matter confirming their support for LGBTI employees.