BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Catholic Charities of Buffalo is phasing out both foster care and adoption services, choosing religious principle over New York State requirements that agencies must work with homosexuals and same-sex couples who seek to take in children.

The organization, which is sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, stated it “cannot simultaneously comply with state regulations and conform to the teaching of the Catholic Church on the nature of marriage.”

Catholic Charities goes on to state that it “cannot uphold the requirement that contracting agencies allow same-sex couples to foster and adopt children. The teaching and position of the Roman Catholic Church throughout the world recognizes marriage only as a union between a woman and a man.”

Each year, an average of five adoptions are facilitated by the organization. There are currently 55 certified foster homes with which Catholic Charities works, and some 34 children in the care of 24 homes.

"They had a wide range of feelings. Some of them complimented us on standing on principle," said Sister Mary McCarrick, Catholic Charties of Buffalo diocesan director. "Others were very sad at the thought of, not losing the child, they will keep their children that they have, but losing the caseworker who's been of support to them. Some are just angry at having to make this change."

The agency's contract with the Erie County Department of Social Services is scheduled to expire in March 2019.