What you need to know about recent changes!

We are sure many of you have heard by now, that the  BSA national council had a vote to change the current status of the policy regarding the sexual orientation of registered leaders. You may have also heard that the church was left out of this vote and because of this (and other reasons) the church is reconsidering its stance on supporting and using the Boy Scouts of America as its official youth program.

This post is here to serve nothing more than to make you aware of what is happening at the national level of scouting and the church, as well as reminding you what scouting stands for. We all have free agency and we all have the right to choose. However, we wish to remind scouts, parents and leaders that until an official announcement has been made regarding the ties between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and the Boy Scouts of America, Scouting is, and always has been the young men’s youth activity program of the church.

No matter the stance of the national policy, at this point in time it is still up to the chartered organization’s to dictate leadership over the troop they represent. The church is very clear on the standards expected from its youth program leadership and that will not change.

With everything that is happening over the next few weeks, we encourage you all to pray, and be vocal regarding this change where appropriate. Remember that no matter the situation, all scouts and leaders who truly believe in the program should also follow in the core values of the program and the church.

The Scout Oath
On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

The Scout Law
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.

We leave this with you as a testimony of the impact a great youth organization can have on the lives of our young adults. We truly believe, that the scouting program upholds many of the core values that our youth need to have. However as adversity causes change in the world, we trust in the leadership of the church to make the correct decision for our youth when the time is right.

Yours in W.W.W, Scouting and the Gospel,
Gain Foster and John Oliver