A Few Words With Bill Blacquiere
Bill Blacquiere is the president of Bethany Christian Services, an adoption and family services agency with close ties to the PCA. ByFaith talked with Blacquire about the church and adoption.
1. What is Bethany Christian Services? How is it linked to the PCA?
Bethany Christian Services is a Christ-centered, not-for-profit, pro-life adoption and family services agency. We have more than 70 locations in 32 states, as well as ministries in more than a dozen countries. Bethany is the largest adoption agency in the country. It was founded in 1944 and is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
PCA congregations have been instrumental in starting and maintaining a number of Bethany offices throughout the country. And Bethany is endorsed by the PCA as an approved charity that congregations can support.
1. What is Bethany Christian Services? How is it linked to the PCA?
Bethany Christian Services is a Christ-centered, not-for-profit, pro-life adoption and family services agency. We have more than 70 locations in 32 states, as well as ministries in more than a dozen countries. Bethany is the largest adoption agency in the country. It was founded in 1944 and is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
PCA congregations have been instrumental in starting and maintaining a number of Bethany offices throughout the country. And Bethany is endorsed by the PCA as an approved charity that congregations can support.
2. How has the process of adoption, and interest in it, changed over the last 60 years?
At one time, most adoptions were of infants. Today, a greater acceptance of single parenting and the legalization of abortion have changed that. In the past 25 years, adoption from the foster care system has increased. The adoption of orphans from other countries also continues to rise, while the number of infants placed for adoption domestically has decreased.
A major trend in domestic adoptions is openness. With an “open adoption,” the birth family and the adoptive family stay in contact. Open adoptions have created one type of today’s extended families. Another trend is the selection of the adoptive family by the birth family, based on the adoptive family’s interests, background, and faith.
3. What do you wish more Christians knew about adoption?
That adoption is about God’s plan and the child He intended for a family. Also, an expectant mother who chooses adoption for her child has made that loving decision based on what is in the best interest of her child. And finally, that adoption is not a second choice for most families; it is an alternative way to build a family.
4. How can Christians support friends going through the process of adoption?
The number one way is to pray that the adoption process goes smoothly. It can take months or years, and can be stressful. With international adoption, the process can take six to 18 months.
Also, some families may need financial support. Holding a fundraiser or a baby shower are ways to meet needs and celebrate the adoption as a family event.
At one time, most adoptions were of infants. Today, a greater acceptance of single parenting and the legalization of abortion have changed that. In the past 25 years, adoption from the foster care system has increased. The adoption of orphans from other countries also continues to rise, while the number of infants placed for adoption domestically has decreased.
A major trend in domestic adoptions is openness. With an “open adoption,” the birth family and the adoptive family stay in contact. Open adoptions have created one type of today’s extended families. Another trend is the selection of the adoptive family by the birth family, based on the adoptive family’s interests, background, and faith.
3. What do you wish more Christians knew about adoption?
That adoption is about God’s plan and the child He intended for a family. Also, an expectant mother who chooses adoption for her child has made that loving decision based on what is in the best interest of her child. And finally, that adoption is not a second choice for most families; it is an alternative way to build a family.
4. How can Christians support friends going through the process of adoption?
The number one way is to pray that the adoption process goes smoothly. It can take months or years, and can be stressful. With international adoption, the process can take six to 18 months.
Also, some families may need financial support. Holding a fundraiser or a baby shower are ways to meet needs and celebrate the adoption as a family event.
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