In July, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) announced it would be lifting the ban on gay and lesbian adult leaders, which prompted the Mormon Church to question whether it would continue its longstanding relationship with the organization.
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But in a compromise aimed at preventing defections by religious conservatives – including the Mormons, who are the largest single sponsor of Boy Scout units – the board said that local sponsors with religious objections could select volunteer leaders in accordance with their own beliefs.
Its leaders decided to stay with the Boy Scouts after getting assurances they can appoint troop leaders according to their own religious and moral values, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said. Listen to the interview in the podcast above.
Still, some remain skeptical, as the church’s renewed commitment came with a statement that it would keep looking to evaluate and refine alternatives to Boy Scouts “that would better suit the increasingly global membership of the religion”, the AP reported.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the decision in a news release on Wednesday.
“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”. It says scout units can chose their leaders based on their religious beliefs.
The LDS Church’s Mormon Temple in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, is seen January 27, 2012. “There is some anxiety of what should we plan for and not having a sure future for our scouts”.
Mormon leaders went on to praise the Scouts and their longtime influence in young lives. That followed its decision in 2013 to permit participation by gay youths.
“The Church has always welcomed all boys to its Scouting units regardless of sexual orientation”, church spokesman Eric Hawkins said in a prepared statement.
Even so, Mormon leaders are counting on the exemption.
The Church’s reliance on its ability to continue discriminating in its BSA charters contradicts much of its messaging over the past year that it’s attempting to do more to support LGBT people and end discrimination against them.
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The church, which boasts 15 million members worldwide, has softened its tone on gay rights issues in recent years. Groups have formed to represent the movement.
