Boy Scouts of America
Three cheers for Mormon decision to stay with the Boy Scouts of America
By Jana Riess — August 26, 2015
Three cheers for the LDS Church for being willing to compromise. Other than "guilt by association," there was no reason not to, since the BSA was already making accommodations to allow Mormon troops to select their own local leaders.
Most Utah Mormons want their church out of Boy Scouts, poll shows
By Peggy Fletcher Stack — August 18, 2015
SALT LAKE CITY A Mormon exodus could devastate the Scouts, given that, as recently as 2013, more than a third (37 percent) of the troops were LDS-sponsored, accounting for 18 percent of the BSA’s 2.4 million total membership.
Mormons considering alternative international scouting organization for boys
By Peggy Fletcher Stack — July 29, 2015
SALT LAKE CITY – While the BSA insists that religiously affiliated troops, including those sponsored by the LDS Church, can continue to ban gay leaders, many observers doubt such an exemption can be legally defended.
The one group still excluded from the Boy Scouts — atheists
By William Cummings — July 29, 2015
The vote by the Boy Scouts of America's board to lift the organization's ban on gay scout leaders is just the latest chapter in a long history of controversy over who merits the right to wear the scout uniform.
Religious groups react to Boy Scouts’ vote to drop ban on gay adults
By Adelle M. Banks — July 28, 2015
(RNS) A sampling of religious response to the Boys Scouts of America’s drop of its ban on gay adult leaders.
Boy Scouts drop ban on adult gay leaders
By Adelle M. Banks — July 27, 2015
(RNS) The policy change represents the end of a long and bitter struggle over whether to accept gay members that began more than two years ago when it allowed gay youths to participate, but not adults.
Religious groups weigh support for Boy Scouts after vote to end ban on gay leaders
By Adelle M. Banks — July 14, 2015
(RNS) Some faith leaders said continued support for the BSA would hinge on whether religiously affiliated troops would be allowed to choose their own leaders.
Possible Boy Scout gay leadership change has religious groups weighing options
By Adelle M. Banks — May 29, 2015
(RNS) Catholics and Mormons seem to be taking a wait-and-see attitude, Methodists plan to mull the next steps with BSA officials, and some LGBT-affirming church groups are welcoming the possible change.
Boy Scouts chief says ban on gay Scout leaders should be lifted nationwide
By John Bacon — May 21, 2015
Robert Gates indicated that churches and other religious groups -- which currently sponsor 70 percent of all Scout troops -- would be able to "establish leadership standards consistent with their faith."
Church explores other scouting groups after Boy Scouts revoke charter
By Catherine O'Donnell — April 22, 2014
SEATTLE (RNS) The church may decide to affiliate with groups such as Camp Fire or the Baden-Powell Service Association, or it may continue a scouting program independent of other groups.
Boy Scouts Christian alternative launches with 500 troops
By Adelle M. Banks — December 31, 2013
(RNS) “We have a very excited group of churches and Christian organizations that are joining us,” said the leader of Trail Life USA, which was formed as an alternative to the Boy Scouts. “They’re ready to go.”
Why religious groups care about the new Boy Scouts policy on gay youth
By Tobin Grant — December 30, 2013
The new Boy Scouts of America policy begins January 1. Youth will no longer be kept out of scouting because of sexual orientation. This is a big deal for religious organizations -- 70 percent of troops are hosted by churches, synagogues, or other religious groups.
In Missouri, Oak Scouts offers an alternative to the Boy Scouts
By Heather Adams — December 30, 2013
(RNS) As the Boy Scouts of America gets ready to admit gay youth, one Missouri organization has already broken away. Oak Scouts is designed to be a safe space for everyone, regardless of faith or sexual orientation.
Opponents to Boy Scouts policy to launch alternative
By Adelle M. Banks — July 9, 2013
(RNS) A fledgling organization that opposed the Boys Scouts of America’s decision to accept openly gay scouts announced Tuesday (July 9) it will launch an alternative group with a Christian worldview.
Britain’s Girl Guides drop oath to God
By Trevor Grundy — June 19, 2013
(RNS) Britain's Girl Guides -- the equivalent of American Girls Scouts -- are dropping their reference to God in their loyalty oath.
