I am an Assistant Scoutmaster, a former Scout, the father of 2 scouts and the husband of a Den mother, needless to say BSA is a major part of our family's life. I am heartbroken that the BSA has decided to compromise it's moral stand for the almighty dollar. Make no mistake, the BSA has clearly stated it's position on homosexuality. Part of the scout oath is to be Morally Straight. There is no other meaning behind that statement. BSA went to the Supreme Court to retain the right to exclude homosexuals. Now that money is tight the BSA is suddenly feeling socially conscious? If the BSA should lift the ban on homosexuals, I will have to wonder if the god sworn to in the Scout oath is named MONEY rather than being the one true God, the creator.
Those of you who are scouts and feel that lifting the ban will not affect your troop because you meet in a Church or are able to "choose" whether or not to allow homosexuals in will be in for a rude awakening when you attend inter troop or pack events. This is a hot button issue, and given the history of those who want to politicize every issue, you can expect people who are more interested in pushing an agenda than participating in the scouting experience to make a spectacle of themselves. This has nothing to do with tolerance or acceptance, it is financial for BSA and political for those outside the organization who are pushing to lift the ban. I wonder if BSA will disclose what was promised to them if the ban was lifted in terms of financial support. I wonder if the BSA realizes that the move to lift the ban will force most churches to drop sponsorship and cause many Christian families to flee in droves.
My family will be forced to make a hard decision if the ban is lifted, we will certainly NEVER participate in another inter troop or pack event and are waiting for the Lord's direction as to whether or not to leave Scouting all together.
Those of you who are scouts and feel that lifting the ban will not affect your troop because you meet in a Church or are able to "choose" whether or not to allow homosexuals in will be in for a rude awakening when you attend inter troop or pack events. This is a hot button issue, and given the history of those who want to politicize every issue, you can expect people who are more interested in pushing an agenda than participating in the scouting experience to make a spectacle of themselves. This has nothing to do with tolerance or acceptance, it is financial for BSA and political for those outside the organization who are pushing to lift the ban. I wonder if BSA will disclose what was promised to them if the ban was lifted in terms of financial support. I wonder if the BSA realizes that the move to lift the ban will force most churches to drop sponsorship and cause many Christian families to flee in droves.
My family will be forced to make a hard decision if the ban is lifted, we will certainly NEVER participate in another inter troop or pack event and are waiting for the Lord's direction as to whether or not to leave Scouting all together.
This is a very important issue and I invite you to let the BSA know that you do not approve of lifting the ban on gays.
Here is a copy of the email I received from the local council here in East TN
Greetings,
Most of you have probably heard of the BSA's announcement yesterday that the National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America (comprised of volunteers) is planning to discuss the consideration of a possible change to membership and leadership standards related to sexual orientation.
This is the statement released by the BSA yesterday:
"For more than 100 years, Scouting's focus has been on working together to deliver the nation's foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. Scouting has always been in an ongoing dialogue with the Scouting family to determine what is in the best interest of the organization and the young people we serve.
"Currently, the BSA is discussing potentially removing the national membership restriction regarding sexual orientation. This would mean there would no longer be any national policy regarding sexual orientation, and the chartered organizations that oversee and deliver Scouting would accept membership and select leaders consistent with each organization's mission, principles, or religious beliefs. BSA members and parents would be able to choose a local unit that best meets the needs of their families.
"The policy change would allow the religious, civic, or educational organizations that oversee and deliver Scouting to determine how to address this issue. The Boy Scouts would not, under any circumstances, dictate a position to units, members, or parents. Under this proposed policy, the BSA would not require any chartered organization to act in ways inconsistent with that organization's mission, principles, or religious beliefs."
We should reiterate that a final decision on this matter has NOT been made by the National Executive Board. The regularly scheduled meeting of the Board occurs next week. Once more information becomes available, we will post it on the Council website and through a special edition of the Scouter electronic newsletter. We do not plan to post any further information until the announcement is made.
If you would like to express your comments or concerns on this matter, you may call the National Office at 972-580-2000 or send an email to pr@scouting.org
I also ask you to join me in prayer for BSA as it is a grand organization that has shaped the lives of countless boys and men.
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