The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints appreciates the positive contributions Scouting has made over the years to thousands of its young men and boys and to thousands of other youth. As leaders of the Church, we want the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to succeed in its historic mission to instill leadership skills and high moral standards in youth of all faiths and circumstances, thereby equipping them for greater success in life and valuable service to their country.
In the resolution adopted on July 27, 2015, and in subsequent verbal assurances to us, BSA has reiterated that it expects those who sponsor Scouting units (such as the Church) to appoint Scout leaders according to their religious and moral values “in word and deed and who will best inculcate the organization’s values through the Scouting program.” At this time, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will go forward as a chartering organization of BSA, and as in the past, will appoint Scout leaders and volunteers who uphold and exemplify Church doctrine, values, and standards.
With equal concern for the substantial number of youth who live outside the United States and Canada, the Church will continue to evaluate and refine program options that better meet its global needs.
There seems to be an initial, broad consensus from members online that "it's only a matter of time" before the LDS Church will need to part ways with BSA. Some expressing disappointment in the decision to remain affiliated considering the new policy to allow openly gay leaders to participate in the program. Others share a concern that the Church will soon find itself knee-deep in laws suits to defend the principle of Religious Freedom in order to maintain its right to uphold the standards of the Church in appointing BSA leaders within the faith.
The particular sentence within the above statement that seems to give members the feeling that the Church is still in a holding pattern, of sorts, and will continue to monitor the situation is this one:
"At this time, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will go forward as a chartering organization of BSA, and as in the past, will appoint Scout leaders and volunteers who uphold and exemplify Church doctrine, values, and standards."
In other words, only time will tell the future of the Church's ongoing relationship with the Boy Scouts of America. But for now, no knee-jerk reaction to throw in the towel. Rather, we forge ahead and "come what may" seek for the good.
Update: The thought that came to my mind (feeling that the Church knows it will end up in court) is that it wants the opportunity to defend Religious Freedom. No doubt, this inevitably would be high profile and really test the waters of where society is on the issue. That, and the fact that BSA is entrenched in Mormon culture/tradition and there would likely be some strong kickback. Timing is everything and with so much on the line, I just don't think its time, yet. I think time and experience going forward will develop the unity necessary to move on.
tDMg
Kathryn Skaggs
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